2020: Prince George’s Community College Commits to 100 Percent Student Voter Registration and Participation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Prince George’s Community College Commits to 100 Percent
Student Voter Registration and Participation

LARGO, Md. (July 14, 2020) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) President Dr. Charlene M. Dukes has joined more than 160 other college presidents and chancellors in committing to full student voter registration and participation on their campuses in all elections through the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN). To support full student voter participation of all eligible students, ALL IN and its Higher Education Presidents Council has launched a call to action for higher education presidents and chancellors to fully engage students in electoral participation. A full list of signatories can be found here.

“I am proud to sign the Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation,” said Dukes. “We are committed to working with campus stakeholders to increase electoral participation in 2020 and beyond. As an institutional leader, I value providing opportunities to empower all eligible voters at PGCC to register and turn out to vote.”

While college student voter participation in elections increased from the 2014 midterm election to the recent 2018 midterm election, less than half of college students made their voices heard by casting their ballots. According to the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, voter turnout at the more than 1,000 institutions participating in the study increased by 21 points from 19 to 40 percent.

“Today, young people are truly seeing how the decisions their elected officials make impact their everyday lives, and in this critical time, ensuring that they are able to make their voices heard safely is critical,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, executive director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “We are excited to partner with higher education leaders across the country to change the culture at colleges and universities around engagement in our nation’s political process. We are calling on all college presidents to make this commitment to their students, campuses, and communities.”

By signing the pledge, Prince George’s Community College is committed to ensuring all eligible students are able to register to vote and cast informed ballots in the 2020 general election and beyond. Further, the College is committed to fostering campus cultures that support nonpartisan student civic learning, political engagement, and student voter participation. As such, the College will organize virtual registration and voter turnout parties around National Voter Registration Day on September 22 and Vote Early Day on October 24.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a nonpartisan, national initiative recognizing and supporting campuses as they work to increase democratic engagement and full student voter participation. The Challenge encourages higher education institutions to help students form the habits of active and informed citizenship, and make democratic participation a core value on their campus.

More than 650 campuses, enrolling more than 7.5 million students, have joined the Challenge since its launch in summer 2016.

 

About Prince George's Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George's Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

 

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