Perpich Students Advocate at Youth Day at the Capitol

March 9, 2026

Perpich students at Youth Day at the Capitol on March 3, 2026

Students from Perpich Arts High School spent a day at the Minnesota State Capitol participating in Youth Day at the Capitol (YDAC), an annual event that encourages young people to engage in the legislative process and advocate for issues that matter to them.

Held on March 3, YDAC brings together students from across Minnesota to build leadership and advocacy skills through workshops, conversations with elected officials, and hands-on learning about how government works. The event is organized by the Minnesota Office of the Secretary of State in partnership with the Minnesota Alliance With Youth/MN Youth Council, the YMCA’s Center for Youth Voice, and other youth organizations.

For Perpich students, the day offered a chance to see civic engagement up close. Mike Hodapp, Social Studies Instructor, said students actively participated in advocacy workshops before meeting with Golden Valley State Representative Mike Freiberg. “Students had a chance to talk about issues that were personally important to them, including arts access in rural communities and immigration reform,” Hodapp said.

Perpich Arts High School students pose with Rep. Mike Freiberg, who represents Golden Valley where Perpich is located.

Bob Frey, Social Studies Instructor, described the trip as a meaningful learning experience. “They were able to both listen to and participate in some illuminating discussions about the legislative process,” he said. “I was especially proud of how many of our students shared their thoughts and opinions.”

Quinn Jensen (Visual Arts 2027) said the experience helped make the lawmaking process feel more personal. “I really liked getting the perspective on how the whole lawmaking process works,” Jensen said. “Politicians can seem really distant, but it was cool getting to speak with one and realizing they’re really a person, too.”

For Jensen and other students, the opportunity to connect directly with lawmakers, and with other civically engaged young people, made the trip both insightful and inspiring.