arts
Local nonprofit run by youths aims to help teens get more involved in civics, create their American dream
By Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
As America celebrates 250 years, many are looking back on our nation’s history. But Heather Walker shines the 7Spotlight on a group of young people who are looking forward, working to shape the country’s future. At a civics summit at Miami Dade College, a young voice commands the attention of the ro
Key takeaway But Heather Walker shines the 7Spotlight on a group of young people who are looking forward, working to shape the country’s future.
Why this matters in The Miami
In Miami, where the diverse communities of Little Havana, Wynwood, and Miami Beach converge, a new generation of civic leaders is emerging. Clint John and the nonprofit Virtutem Populo are tapping into the city's vibrant cultural landscape to empower teens to shape their American dream. By engaging students in civics and community engagement, the group is fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people, many of whom are the children of Latin American and Caribbean immigrants. As Miami-Dade County continues to grapple with challenges like sea-level rise and flooding, the involvement of young people in local governance is crucial. The group's push for student advisors on school boards could have a significant impact on education policy in Miami-Dade County, where the school system serves a large and diverse student population. As Virtutem Populo grows, it will be worth watching how their efforts influence the city's civic landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As America celebrates 250 years, many are looking back on our nation’s history. But Heather Walker shines the 7Spotlight on a group of young people who are looking forward, working to shape the country’s future. At a civics summit at Miami Dade College, a young voice commands the attention of the ro
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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