Agnes Scott’s Student Civic Engagement Recognized in National Voting Award

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) has recognized Agnes Scott College for its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. Agnes Scott College received the Champion Campus Award for the Overall Highest Registration Rate, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that nonpartisan democratic engagement is a defining feature of campus life.

“It is an honor to receive the Champion Campus Award from ALL IN,” said Leocadia I. Zak, president of Agnes Scott. “Our students consistently demonstrate their desire to claim their place in society by imparting their passion for social justice through their voices, as well as through their actions, to inspire change across the campus community and throughout the world.”

In addition to achieving the Champion Campus Award, Agnes Scott also earned recognition in the following areas: 

• Top Campuses for Voter Registration and/or Voter Turnout (Four-year private)
• State Conference Challenge 

Agnes Scott is deeply committed to civic engagement, providing students with multiple opportunities to participate in the democratic process. Community partners regularly visit the dining hall to register students to vote and share crucial voting information, including during events like the Student Engagement Fair and on National Voter Registration Day. The college also hosts a Democratic Discussion Series, offering students a platform to discuss important issues and learn more about voting, with two more discussions and a reflection session planned in the post-election cycle. Additionally, transportation is available for early voting, and the Student Government Association is organizing walking groups to polling stations on Election Day.

“I’m incredibly proud of how passionately Scotties are engaging in our democratic and civic learning initiatives,” said Blayne McDonald, assistant director for service-learning and civic engagement. “We had over 100 students at our debate watch party, and students were genuinely excited to be there with their fellow Scotties.

“Many students have also proactively reached out to ensure they know how to vote, especially those navigating absentee ballots or voting from out of state. It’s clear that Scotties are taking this election seriously, and I’m proud of their commitment to making their voices heard,” said McDonald. 

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Agnes Scott was recognized alongside more than 500 campuses using data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE) out of Tufts University, which found that colleges and universities had the second-highest voter turnout among students in a midterm election since NSLVE began measuring this data. The full list of campus award winners can be viewed here. 

 “The ALL IN Awards were created to celebrate nonpartisan democratic engagement and the outstanding campus voter registration and turnout rates achieved by our ALL IN campuses. Ahead of the 2024 elections, ALL IN campuses are ready to build on the momentum from 2022 to ensure their communities are ready to make an even bigger impact this fall,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “ALL IN is proud to celebrate and honor top-performing campuses, like Agnes Scott College who demonstrate that nonpartisan student voter engagement is possible and effective.”