Nebraska is the newest affiliate of the national Kid Governor® program, giving the state’s fifth-grade students a unique opportunity to run for a real-life, statewide office of their own. In 2025, Civic Nebraska will lead Nebraska’s Kid Governor initiative, continuing its tradition of youth civic leadership programs across the state.
Kid Governor is an award-winning civics program created by the Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) to engage elementary students in state government, elections, and active citizenship. Since its founding, Kid Governor has expanded to a growing number of states, including Oregon, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
In becoming the latest affiliate, Nebraska joins a network of states committed to empowering young leaders through real-world, hands-on experiences.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Civic Nebraska to bring the Kid Governor program to Nebraska’s fifth-grade classrooms,” said Brian Cofrancesco, CTDC’s Director of Kid Governor. “Kid Governor gives young people an opportunity to get involved in civics at an early age – and it’s our goal to empower them to remain engaged in our democracy and within their communities for the rest of their lives.”
Each fall, participating fifth-grade classes across Nebraska will nominate one peer to run for Kid Governor. Candidates create campaign videos about a community issue they care about and share a three-point platform for change.
Seven final candidates will advance to a statewide election in November. Fifth graders will watch and analyze the candidates’ campaign videos in class before casting a vote for the student they want to represent them as the voice of Nebraska’s fifth graders. The student with the most votes will become Kid Governor, and the six finalists will serve as the Kid Governor’s Cabinet. The student leaders will serve a one-year term, working with Civic Nebraska to advance their platforms and inspire their constituents to make a difference in their communities.
“Civic Nebraska believes in the power of youth to lead right now, not just someday,” said Nancy Petitto, Civic Nebraska’s executive director. “This program doesn’t just teach leadership; it gives young people the real responsibility, visibility, and tools to lead. It’s an unforgettable lesson in civic power and possibility.”
Civic Nebraska brings more than a decade of experience in youth-focused civic education. Becoming a Kid Governor state extends these efforts, deepening the organization’s commitment to creating confident, engaged, and informed citizens from an early age.
Educators, parents, and school leaders interested in bringing Nebraska’s Kid Governor® to their classrooms in 2025-26 can learn more at NE.KidGovernor.org or by contacting Civic Nebraska at in**@ne.org.
