The Spark Weekly | Come from Away and The State of Youth Voting in Pennsylvania

This episode spotlights Come From Away, the acclaimed musical based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland, and the extraordinary acts of kindness that followed the events of September 11, 2001. When 38 diverted planes carrying thousands of stranded passengers unexpectedly landed in the small town, the residents of Gander opened their hearts and homes, transforming a global crisis into a powerful story of compassion, resilience, and human connection.

We sit down with Carter Walker, the journalist behind a recent report examining Pennsylvania’s youth voter registration challenges, and Tanner Zimmerman, a recent Cedar Crest High School graduate, former Lebanon County poll worker, and state officer with the Future Farmers of America. Together, they discuss why Pennsylvania ranks last in the nation for youth voter registration, the barriers keeping young people from participating in elections, and the strategies advocates are using to boost civic engagement.