Students from McKeesport and West Mifflin area school districts will travel to the state capital next week to give their views on what it means to be part of a civil society.

The trip Monday and Tuesday is part of a program sponsored by the Consortium for Public Education. The Mon Valley students are part of a group of about 100 students from 10-plus districts across the state.

The proceedings in the Sunoco Theatre in Harrisburg will be videotaped, presented to the state legislature and later broadcast on public TV.

"The Consortium is committed to providing opportunities for Pennsylvania's high school students to be heard on important issues," said Stephen G. Seliy, CPE's associate executive director.

The topic will be "My Role in a Civil Society," and requires the Mon Valley students to consider the cultures in their schools and neighborhoods, civic engagement, the value of social networks, and their own personal connections to the community and the world.

The program subject reflects the state Consortium's belief that public education is fundamental to a democratic and civil society.

After the taping, students and their advisers will visit the Capitol grounds and meet with their legislators.