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    • Program Effectiveness/Incentives

    Effectiveness:
    The Program Effectiveness Panel of the U.S.Department of Education's National Diffusion Network examined the reports of numerous research studies on the We the People program. Independent studies by the Educational Testing Service have revealed that We the People students "significantly outperformed comparison students on every topic of the tests taken." Students involved in the We the People program develop greater commitment to democratic principles and values, according to a study of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution by Richard Brody at Stanford University. The study concludes that the program is effective in promoting political tolerance because participating students feel more politically effective and perceive fewer limits on their own political freedom.

    A South Carolina attorney shares comments about his own experience as a participant in the program:
    "My participation in the We the People program in high school helped convince me that I wanted to go to law school and become an attorney. I found that I enjoyed studying Constitutional Law and the history of the Constitution. The mock congressional hearings during the district and state competitions provided me the opportunity to develop public speaking skills and learn how to handle scrutiny under pressure."
    - Thad Westbrook, Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough - Columbia, SC

    Incentives:
    Trainings provided throughout the year are free with light snacks and lunch. On-site trainings can be arranged for individual schools, teacher in-service days and afterschool programs as needed.

    A free classroom set of 30 textbooks with a teacher's guide is available with the training.
    Certificates of recognition are provided for students who participate in the culminating activity.
    The state high school winner receives a plaque and special recognition at its Awards Day.
    Teachers implementing the We the People curriculum can apply for the South Carolina Bar Law Related Education (LRE) Teacher of the Year Award, which comes with a 1,000 recognition award.