New Hampshire State Rep. James Thibault announced a new summer civics program he developed for Granite State students, saying, “True civics education shouldn’t just inform—it should inspire. That’s what I hope Live Free & Lead will accomplish for our students.”
The topic is significant as national data show persistent gaps in civic knowledge among American students. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress assessment showed that only 22% of eighth-grade students nationwide scored at or above the proficient level in civics, while the average score declined by two points from 2018. Several states have since strengthened high school graduation requirements, including civics competency and naturalization-style exams, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Thibault shared his remarks in an X post promoting Live Free & Lead, a new summer civics program targeting high schoolers in grades 9 through 12. The post appeared one day after his initial announcement and links to an application page for interested participants. The program runs for six weeks with two sessions per week. It was developed with input from the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office to offer practical exposure to state government, according to the program’s website.
New Hampshire requires high school students to complete a one-half credit course in United States and New Hampshire government and civics, along with a full year of the country and state history. Students must also pass a locally developed competency assessment in civics and score at least 70% on the U.S. citizenship test developed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Senate Bill 216, enacted in 2023, expanded instructional time for civics starting in elementary grades and added a semester-long middle school requirement to build foundational knowledge of government structures and citizen responsibilities, according to NH Civics.
Thibault is recognized as the youngest state legislator in the United States and represents Merrimack 25, which includes the communities of Franklin and Northfield. He previously chaired the New Hampshire Legislative Youth Advisory Council and participated in both the American Legion Boys Nation program and the United States Senate Youth Program, according to Ballotpedia.
