Youth in Local Government: Local Success Stories


*GIF Staff:* Dean Katerndahl Program Director Rita Parker Regional Purchasing Cooperative Program Coordinator	MARC Home > Government Innovations Forum > Projects > Youth in Local Government > Regional Success Stories *Regional Success Stories* Olathe, Kansas, Youth Programs: The award winning youth programs in Olathe, Kansas are a direct product of the strong partnership between the city and the school. With a Youth Congress, Youth Council, Youth Court, leadership courses and minority youth outreach programs, Olathe’s exemplary programs can serve as a model for other communities. Staff, funded jointly by the school district and city, run this extensive program and help to bridge communication gaps. In doing so, local officials are able to develop opportunities for youth to work on real projects and have their input considered. Some program highlights are creation of a teen center/café and the “Promote the Vote” campaign. The program serves multiple purposes: encouraging activism and volunteerism, developing leadership abilities, and creating interest in local government as a career opportunity. Southern Leavenworth County Leadership Academy High school seniors and juniors are allowed to take part in this seven-class course that introduces participants to the challenges communities face in the areas of leadership, education, media affairs, local government, state government, and economic development. Participants are exposed to leadership and volunteer opportunities in the area. Greater Kansas City Public Achievement This program gives young people a framework to learn citizenship skills by doing work of real importance in their communities. Shawnee Mission School District “Learning About…” Guidebooks Successfully bringing local government into it’s schools curriculums, SMSD has produced workbooks unique to each community in the district. Presented to third graders, these books help to introduce the structure of the local government, the services provided by governments, and community history and trivia. In Lenexa, the handbooks are accompanied by a field trip to city hall where third graders tour the municipal buildings, meet with police officers, and create their own “budget” for the city.

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