High school students learning the fundamentals of politics through the Mikva Challenge, a youth political awareness initiative, will watch the upcoming presidential debate at the DePaul University College of Law and then grade both candidates on their performance, command of the issues and leadership ability. The program, which will include a student-led discussion of the debate, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., 11th Floor.

Named for former judge and Congressman Abner Mikva, the Mikva Challenge is a non-partisan organization created in 1996 to encourage active involvement in politics by young people. The Challenge currently is running a campaign program involving more than 100 high school students and initiating a student judges program involving 50 students.

Thirty high school students who are working more than 20 hours for the presidential campaign of their choice through the Mikva Challenge will participate in debate evaluation. Students will come from public and private schools across the city including Amundsen, Kelvyn Park, Robeson, Whitney Young, Hales Franciscan, Bowen, Payton Preparatory, Manley and Lincoln Park.

“The Challenge engages Chicago students in active learning experiences related to politics,” said Brian Brady, executive director of the Mikva Challenge. “Our goal is to help young people become passionate about politics and then go home and spread this interest among family and friends. We find that with just a little encouragement and firsthand experience, students become very excited and interested in the political process.”

As host of the event, the College of Law will provide a forum for the students to further their interest in politics and learn about law.

“It is heartening that students of high school age have such a deep interest in American politics,” said Teree E. Foster, dean of the College of Law. “The College of Law is pleased and proud to host these students and share with them some of the law school’s political and legal expertise.”

Note to editors: Reporters who want to cover this event should call Brian Brady at 312/939-5935, extension 32.