Enhancing Civic Engagement with the Unify America College Bowl

The Need for Civic Engagement in Higher Education

The Unify America College Bowl has become a valuable addition to my American Federal Government course at Miami Dade College. Located in a large, diverse urban setting, fostering civic engagement can be challenging, especially with a student population ranging from dual-enrolled high school students to grandparents. Traditional volunteer opportunities often require significant time and travel, which can be a barrier.

The Unify America College Bowl allows me to integrate a high-impact civic engagement activity directly into my curriculum. While participation is mandatory (though not course-failing), student feedback overwhelmingly supports this approach. Many students initially hesitate but report feeling comfortable and surprised by the positive experience of engaging in respectful dialogue with someone from a different background.

Our increasingly polarized society suffers from a lack of genuine conversation. We label and isolate those with differing viewpoints, often fueled by social taboos around political discussions. Technology, a double-edged sword, can connect us globally yet isolate us behind screens.

Technology as a Tool for Fostering Dialogue

The Unify America College Bowl addresses this by harnessing technology to facilitate crucial dialogue across the country. The goal isn't to change minds, but to foster understanding. Students realize that everyone has unique life experiences, challenges, and perspectives. Open dialogue is a powerful tool to bridge the divide.

Miami Dade College faculty have a strong support system for implementing the Unify America College Bowl. The Institute for Civic Engagement and Democracy (iCED) and Learning Resources provide invaluable resources for both instructors and students. Additionally, the Unify College Bowl staff, like Carol Vederman, offer prompt troubleshooting and verification of student participation. The user-friendly dashboard allows for easy monitoring of registration and progress.

Why I Recommend the College Bowl for Your Classroom

To my fellow instructors, I highly recommend integrating the Unify America College Bowl into your courses. It provides a rewarding experience for students, aligning with course objectives, institutional learning goals, and the development of civic agency. It also contributes to students’ civic, personal, and professional success – and this experience is essential to protecting and strengthening our democracy.