Speak Up Speak Out, or, “SUSO” is a civic education program that provides students with an opportunity to activate their voice and discover the power they have in changing their communities for the better. Students will be equipped with civic skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessary to make a positive difference.
For the 7th year, CAST Schools will host the annual Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) San Antonio Civics Fair in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life.
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. 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.
Throughout this project, students will work with a small group or with a partner to identify a problem in their community and attempt to create a long-term solution for it. Students will conduct extensive research through conducting interviews, surveys, and by exploring digital and library resources. As students begin to craft their solutions, they will work with community experts to receive authentic feedback on their proposed ideas. All groups will present their findings via speeches and a digital presentation to a panel of judges.
While we recognize that there is an element of competition, we want to emphasize that the real success is not in, “winning” the competitions, but in developing the skills that are needed to solve personal and community problems. In addition to honing these important, life-long skills, students will practice mastering social studies content, reading, writing, and communication skills, as well as collaboration and time management skills.
Interested in Judging? Register here:
Join us Friday, January 17, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and help us judge student ideas. Your feedback provides invaluable guidance for students to continue developing their ideas and improving their pitch for the state finals. The day starts with a training session and an optional lunch.
Click here to access the full Speak Up Speak Out Facilitation Guides provided by the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life. You can also contact the Student Experience Coordinator, Eric Falcon, at eric@castschools.com
The Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) Network is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. CAST Schools are partnership schools with a focus on STEM careers, project based learning and work-based learning. Key partners include public school districts, higher education institutions, and local employers from target industries.
