MARCUS SMITH

Marcus Smith is one of Mikva Challenge's many Rockstars! He is our Alum of the Month because he continues to represent the message of the Mikva Challenge -- developing the next generation of active, thoughtful, and ethical citizens today. We recently asked Marcus a few questions about life after Mikva and here is an excerpt of what he had to say:

What did you do at Mikva? I participated in Mikva Challenge’s Issues to Action (ITA) Program.  A couple of the steps in the ITA curriculum – i.e. to choose a community, issue and power analysis – I use today as a community organizer.  Reflecting on my high school experiences I learned that the Mikva Challenge played an important role in developing my passion for community and political issues. 

Where are you now? I am a third year student at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor studying Political Science.

What are you doing this summer? Currently, I have an internship with the Midwest Academy (the premier community organizing academy), and am working for the Jane Addams Senior Caucus through this internship. 

Marcus is a Community Outreach Intern, responsible for building relationships with existing members, and attracting and cultivating new members for the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. He is also charged with creating coalitions around Affordable Housing and Healthcare (which are both important issues for seniors in Chicago).   

At Mikva Challenge, our mission is to train life-long civic leaders, and our alums, like Marcus, and students affirm our success in getting young people to become today and tomorrow's leaders. To learn more about Mikva’s Issues to Action Program, click here