CivicLex announces $1 million challenge grant to expand youth civic education in Lexington
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Lexington-based civic health organization is launching a major new effort aimed at strengthening civic education for students across the community.
CivicLex announced Thursday that an anonymous local couple has donated a $1 million challenge grant to support civics education for all school-age students — both public and private — in Lexington-Fayette County.
Organizers say from now through December 2029, every dollar donated toward the initiative will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $1 million.
Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman attended the announcement and spoke about the impact civic education can have on young people.
“Seeing the difference that this makes in the lives of our children is something that I wish everyone could experience,” Coleman said. “To be able to go into classrooms, to go into schools, and to help students get engaged in their own community and to figure out how they can drive change.”
CivicLex says the gift is among only a small number of donations nationwide dedicated exclusively to locally focused youth civic education. The funding is intended to help students better understand local government, community engagement, and how they can participate in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
The announcement was made at the Old Fayette County Courthouse and included remarks from state and local leaders, as well as a student from Bryan Station High School.
Organizers say the long-term goal is to ensure every student in Lexington-Fayette County has access to meaningful, locally grounded civic education opportunities.
