By Kimberly Maxson-Rushton
Civic education is all about understanding that the law can provide a cloak of protection of one’s speech, homestead, and fundamental human rights, and at the same time be the mechanism for finding truth and discovering new paths. Through the Nevada Center for Civic Education (“NVCCE”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, programs such as “We the People,” “Project Community,” and “National History Day” assist elementary school, middle school, and high school students become informed and active participants in our democracy. In doing so, students develop a keen understanding of the Constitution of the United States and the value of constitutional literacy and community engagement. Additionally, programs such as these challenge students to compare the intent of the framers of the Constitution to modern-day issues. This requires students to think critically and to articulate a position on matters that are currently being debated by the United States Congress.
There are multiple reasons why anyone would choose to become an attorney. I submit that somewhere in that mental equation is the desire to help others and to positively impact our community. As a nonprofit, the NVCCE relies on fundraising, grant funds, and volunteers; otherwise, there is no consistent funding source to sustain the center’s initiatives. Yet the number of students interested in civic education and engagement continues to grow–statewide–every year. Without funding, the NVCCE cannot provide schools with the tools and resources needed to keep up with student interest. The positive influence civic education programs have on students is immeasurable: (i) in-depth knowledge of the Constitution; (ii) presentation of persuasive oral argument; (iii) application of Constitutional principles to current events; and (iv) the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from community leaders who graciously serve as judges.
NVCCE has worked with over 7,000 Nevada students in ten different counties and continues to expand into new schools in both populated and rural areas of the Silver State. Its overall budget in 2024 was $500,000.00. However, due to recent cuts in government funding and grants, NVCCE stands to lose close to $300,000 this school year. As evidenced by the data retained since We The People and Project Citizen started, students who participate in civic education initiatives attend college, secure legislative and congressional internships, and go on to become active members of their community.
There is no question that contributing to NVCCE is an investment in Nevada’s students and its future. As artfully stated by Rogers Professor David S. Tanenhaus, Boyd School of Law:
A shared passion for civic education and what [Abraham] Lincoln called, “the perpetuation of our political institutions” brought us together as teachers and Nevadans. It didn’t matter whether our politics aligned because we shared something more significant. We were mutually committed to the democratic experiment and were inspired by watching the next generation of Americans learn how to become engaged citizens and leaders. Below is a link to the NVCCE website. I encourage my CCBA colleagues and your law firms to make a financial contribution, one which is meaningful and will help ensure the sustainability of the NVCCE’s programs and initiatives. Additionally, please consider volunteering your time. Serving as a judge for We The People competitions for close to two decades has been an amazing experience for me, and it serves as a constant reminder of how smart our high school students are and how bright their future, and Nevada’s future, is. https://nvcce.org/
About the author
Kimberly Maxson-Rushton is an administrative attorney whose practice focuses on advising gaming, cannabis, transportation, and tax clients through complex regulatory and licensing matters in Nevada. Kimberly is the former chief of the Nevada Attorney General’s Office and chair of the Nevada Transportation Authority. She serves on the board of directors of Opportunity Village and the Public Education Foundation, and is a trustee of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
About the article
This article was originally published in the Communiqué (Oct. 2025), the official publication of the Clark County Bar Association. See https://clarkcountybar.org/about/member-benefits/communique-2025/communique-oct-2025/. The printed magazine will be mailed out to CCBA members on October 1, 2025.
The articles and advertisements appearing in Communiqué magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the CCBA, the CCBA Publications Committee, the editorial board, or the other authors. All legal and other issues discussed are not for the purpose of answering specific legal questions. Attorneys and others are strongly advised to independently research all issues.
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