From the president
Kaylei is pursuing a double major in Political Science and English at Indiana University Bloomington. She is also a Democracy Fellow of Political and Civic Engagement (PACE) at IUB earning a certificate in the program. She is an outstanding leader both on and off campus and a member of IU’s Board of Aeons. Kaylei sees the root causes of social issues in the form of decreased democratic engagement of young people. She views this challenge as intricately woven with larger issues and the fact that the political environment is becoming more challenging to navigate.
In response to these issues, Kaylei works tirelessly as a collaborative leader supporting fellow students and others to create a healthy democracy. She is prepared to engage peers, broaden thinking, and support others in meaningful experiences to address some of today’s most pressing challenges including political divisiveness, voter apathy, and bridging institutional gaps. She puts theory-into-action in her work and holds a vision of hope for lasting change through her everyday commitment to the work. Kaylei will benefit from the opportunity to meet peers from around the country in a mutually supportive learning environment and to envision new strategies through a robust fellowship experience. We at Indiana University Bloomington are proud to have Kaylei Voorhies represent us as a Newman Civic Fellow. We look forward to seeing how she will continue to make positive social change in democratic engagement, locally and beyond.
Personal Statement
As a student liaison for the League of Women Voters of Monroe County, an executive member of Indiana University’s Women in Government, and an intern with the Political and Civic Engagement (PACE) program, I’ve worked to strengthen the connection between students, young voters, and civic life. Through these roles, I’ve helped develop initiatives to increase student voter turnout, facilitated nonpartisan voter education, and coordinated outreach to local high schools to engage the next generation of voters. With Women in Government, I advocate for gender equity in politics and help create opportunities for women to explore careers in public service.
My approach to civic engagement centers on collaboration, education, and accessibility. I believe long-term change begins with empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully in democracy. By working across campus and community organizations, I’ve seen the power of partnerships in addressing public challenges—from combating voter apathy to bridging institutional gaps. I am committed to fostering a more informed and active electorate, particularly among young people who have the power to drive lasting change. Through the Newman Civic Fellowship, I hope to expand my leadership and collaborate nationally on innovative, inclusive, and sustainable civic strategies.