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On October 4th, Fremont High School in Los Angeles was buzzing with excitement as students from the Law and Social Justice (LSJ) Academy spearheaded a voter registration drive. In collaboration with PESA and the Civic Center, this initiative aimed to empower students to use their voices by pre-registering to vote. The event was part of Univision’s “Rock the Vote” project, which the prominent Latin broadcasting network came to cover live, amplifying the significance of youth engagement in the civic process.
PESA, known for its consistent involvement in student initiatives, played a critical role in facilitating this voter registration drive. Stephanie Santillan, PESA’s Assistant Director of Youth Services, worked closely with the students, providing them with the resources they needed, including QR codes for easy registration, badges, t-shirts, and even sweet incentives like candy to encourage participation.
Univision’s presence brought added excitement to the day. The predominantly Latinx student body felt represented, with many students thrilled to see their efforts highlighted on live television. Channel 34 broadcasted the event, featuring traditional dances like folklórico, cheer routines, and step performances. Not only was there lively entertainment, but the school’s principal and other members of the community were interviewed, showcasing the pride and enthusiasm surrounding the event.
Approximately 25 to 30 students were trained to lead the registration drive, embracing their responsibility to help their peers pre-register to vote. One student, who eagerly volunteered to be interviewed by Univision, viewed the moment as a glimpse into a future career in media, calling it his "30 seconds of fame." This excitement echoed across the student body, who felt proud to be making a difference within their community.
Reflecting on the day’s success, Santillan commented, “The students were really excited to have direct access to making a change, within their campus and the community.” She also emphasized PESA’s vital role in introducing the program and ensuring its success. For the students, the experience went beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of empowerment and pride in their community engagement.
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