Student finds her voice in civic education, and helps others find theirs

Bruin senior Deanna Placa came to Westwood interested in politics, policy and international development. But her coursework and community-engaged experiences at UCLA helped turn those interests into a passion for civic education.

Her focus now is on helping young people understand how government and public institutions work - and, more importantly, how they can have a voice in the decisions that shape their schools, neighborhoods and communities.

The international development studies and political science double major has spent the past three years immersed in research, internships and volunteer work, from Los Angeles schools and community organizations to marginalized communities in South Africa still reckoning with the results of apartheid. Those experiences have now earned her a prestigious yearlong Newman Civic Fellowship, which provides training, mentorship and connections to a national network of student leaders.

Along the way, Placa became particularly interested in the challenges facing California teachers working to prepare students for informed participation in civic life. Her work in that area inspired her to launch the nonprofit CivXpand, an effort to build a professional network and training opportunities for civic education teachers while conducting research that could support future policy advocacy.

"It's been an incredible project, something that I cultivated from so much frustration and so much passion," she said. "And now it's slowly coming to light."

For Placa, the Newman fellowship offers an opportunity to take that work further.

"This fellowship means a lot to me because it allows me to connect my passion for and interest in civic education and advocacy with broader networks all over the U.S., not just in Los Angeles," she said.

Read more about Placa's journey on the International Institute website.