E-Cubed Academy students win civics competition for science-lab legislation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The E-Cubed Academy students who drafted a bill requiring up-to-date science labs at every high school in Rhode Island took top honors at Rhode Island Civics Day.

The students, taught by E-Cubed history teacher John Healy, developed the idea for the bill, drafted its language and began advocating for it as part of their involvement in Generation Citizen, which inspires civic participation through civics class that give students the opportunity to experience democracy in action.

Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell, a Providence Democrat who is also a teacher at E-Cubed Academy, introduced the bill in the House of Representatives on the students’ behalf. The bill is currently making its way through the legislative process, and the students testified for it at a hearing before the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee April 25.

At Rhode Island Civics Day, held at the State House May 14, the E-Cubed project earned them the High School Change Maker award.

“I am so impressed by the impassioned advocacy of the students at E-cubed," Ranglin-Vassell said. "They truly are change makers, and they are working very hard within the democratic system to address an obstacle that stands between today’s students and the STEM jobs that are their future. These young leaders have learned a great deal through this project, and are helping to make a change that will help provide the equipment needed to prepare future generations of students for better jobs."

 lborg@providencejournal.com

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