LAUNCH18 Begins Second Year with Expanded High School Civic Engagement Program

Empowering the Next Generation of Voters (Fall 2026)

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation’s LAUNCH18 program has doubled its reach in its second year, expanding from three to six participating high schools.

Five schools are in the Atlanta area: Cedar Grove High School, Columbia High School, Drew Charter School, Druid Hills High School and McNair High School. John R. Lewis High School in Springfield, Virginia, has also joined the program.

Last week, LAUNCH18 Voter Registration Rallies were held at Druid Hills, Cedar Grove, McNair and Columbia, bringing students together for voter registration, civic education and hands-on preparation for becoming first-time voters.

Druid Hills High School

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Cedar Grove High School

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McNair High School

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Columbia High School

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The goal of LAUNCH18 is not simply to register students to vote. The program helps young people understand the voting process, recognize the power of their voices and encourage their friends and families to participate as well. A key focus is making sure first-time voters know what to expect when they cast a ballot.

Students are also encouraged to sign the JLMLF Civic Engagement Pledge.

Students who sign the pledge can earn a John Lewis Civic Engagement Honor Cord for graduation by registering to vote or, if they are not eligible, encouraging others to register and vote.

During the 2025–2026 school year, 297 students from the three original LAUNCH18 high schools earned Civic Engagement Honor Cords.

Each participating school has two LAUNCH18 Student Ambassadors who help plan activities, engage their classmates and support the voter-registration and pledge process. During the rallies, a competitive Kahoot! focused on basic civics helped keep the events both fun and educational.

Our partners at VoteRiders were on hand at all four rallies to assist students who needed help with voter identification requirements.

The next phase of the program will focus on helping students stay engaged through early voting and the November election, followed by another round of LAUNCH18 activities in February.

Earlier this month, Drew Charter School students participated in a separate voter registration event. John R. Lewis High School will hold its first LAUNCH18 event on Monday, Oct. 5.

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LAUNCH18 is the Foundation’s high school voter registration work under the broader B.R.I.D.G.E. program, which supports and encourages the next generation of civic leaders.