Daquan's Students of Ohio
Building Civic Engagement for Future Leaders
Empowering youth through mentorship, civic engagement, and leadership development to think critically, engage in their communities, and shape the future of Ohio.
Our Mission
Students of Ohio empowers youth and young adults through mentorship, civic education, leadership development, and real-world learning experiences. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to think critically, engage in their communities, develop confidence in their abilities, and become informed, engaged leaders who create positive change. Through hands-on learning, civic engagement, and a commitment to service, we prepare young people to shape a stronger future for Ohio and beyond.
Explore Our Program Modules
Mastering the Best of You - Leadership and Authenticity
Great leaders know who they are, what they stand for, and are not afraid to be themselves. In this section, students will explore their strengths, values, passions, goals, and personal identity while building confidence in who they are and who they aspire to become. Participants will identify the causes, interests, and dreams that matter most to them and learn how to communicate those passions with confidence and authenticity. Through public speaking exercises, speech development, video presentations, and constructive feedback, students will strengthen their communication skills, build self-confidence, and learn to share their stories with pride, purpose, and conviction.
Who Am I?
What Type of Voter are You and Why
Have you ever wondered why people support different political parties, candidates, or issues? In this section, students will explore critical thinking skills, rhetoric, media influence, political tribalism, and the factors that shape our beliefs and decision-making. Through surveys, open discussions, healthy debates, and self-reflection, participants will learn how to evaluate information, think independently, identify bias, and determine what issues matter most to them. Students will also explore how their values align with different political perspectives and, if eligible, learn about voter registration and the importance of making their voices heard.
Meet and Greet Mentors
One of the best ways to learn is from those who have already walked the path. Through our Meet & Greet with the Mentors program, students will have the opportunity to connect with leaders from across Ohio, including judges, attorneys, elected officials, community leaders, business owners, educators, entrepreneurs, and other professionals. Participants will hear personal stories, learn about different career paths, ask questions, build valuable connections, and gain insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership and public service. These conversations are designed to inspire, educate, and help students envision their own future success.
Out on the Campaign Trail!
Learning happens best through experience. In this hands-on section, students will have the opportunity to work alongside Daquan Neal and gain a behind-the-scenes look at community engagement, civic leadership, and the campaign process. Participants may assist with events, canvassing, voter outreach, town halls, community discussions, campaign messaging, budgeting exercises, and strategic planning. Along the way, students will develop valuable life and career skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, public speaking, problem-solving, time management, prioritization, and leadership. By experiencing the realities of community advocacy and public service firsthand, students gain practical knowledge that extends far beyond politics.
MOCK UP
Create Mock Legislation
Can everyday people create change? Absolutely! In this interactive section, students will learn how citizen-driven initiatives and legislation move from an idea to reality. Participants will identify an issue they care about, research the topic, develop a proposal, build support, and present their ideas to their peers. Along the way, they will explore how petitions, signatures, public support, voting, and government processes help shape laws and policies. By experiencing each step firsthand, students gain a deeper understanding of how ideas become action and how citizens can make a difference in their communities.
LIGHTS - CAMERA - ACTION!!
Students with a passion for media, storytelling, journalism, and content creation can participate in our optional Lights, Camera, Action! program. Participants serve as student reporters, content creators, and community correspondents by writing stories, conducting interviews, creating videos, managing social media content, and documenting program activities, community events, and leadership opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience in communication, public speaking, journalism, digital media, and civic engagement while building a portfolio of real-world work. We will also explore opportunities for participants to earn service hours, internship experience, educational credit, or career-readiness recognition through participating schools and community partners.
I AM A PROUD CRITICAL THINKER!
The final phase of Students of Ohio challenges participants to put their critical thinking skills into action. Students will evaluate news stories, social media content, political messaging, and real-world issues using the tools and techniques learned throughout the program. Through independent assignments, thoughtful discussion, and content creation, participants will learn how to identify bias, verify information, analyze different perspectives, and form their own informed opinions. Upon successful completion of the program, students will graduate as Proud Critical Thinkers and receive a certificate and commemorative graduation cap recognizing their achievement and commitment to informed civic engagement.