Speak Up Speak Out Annual Civics Fair

Serving students and educators since 2002, Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) is an innovative civic education program designed to teach third grade through high school students about their communities and equip them with the civic skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to make a positive difference.

• Students learn how to identify problems within their community in order to evaluate and present viable solutions to a variety of community stakeholders.
• Students work collaboratively to present community solutions to key stakeholders,  creating senses of belonging and efficacy.
• Students practice authentic research skills to gather information to both explore problems and create solutions.
• Students have opportunities to work with subject matter experts related to their SUSO projects as authentic career exploration.

San Antonio Regional Fair – For the 8th year, CAST Schools will host the annual Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) San Antonio Civics Fair in January 2026, in partnership with Our Lady of the Lake University. The civics fair is open to all 3rd to 12th grade students across the greater San Antonio Region who wish to make a difference in their community.

State Fair – Select teams participating in the CAST Schools Speak Up Speak Out San Antonio Civics Fair SUSO will advance to the state-wide civics fair hosted by the Annette Strauss Institute from the University of Texas at Austin.

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