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The Next 250: Youth Voices on Democracy, Community and America’s Future

Students from across the country share audio commentaries on democracy, civic engagement, constitutional rights and the future they hope to inherit.
A detailed view of the special commemorative 250th anniversary American Flag on March 12, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. Listen now to hear what young people imagine for America's next 250 years. (Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, a new KQED radio special turns to the next generation for perspective.

Featuring original audio commentaries by middle and high school students from across the country, the special explores how young people are thinking about democracy, community and the future.

Drawn from KQED’s Podcasting Democracy: Understanding the Constitution to Inspire Civic Change project, these student-created stories offer thoughtful, personal reflections on the issues shaping their lives and the nation they hope to inherit.

Listen now to hear what young people imagine for America’s next 250 years.

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