Above / Mayor Scott Wehrli recently presented an overview of 18 City boards and commissions to local residents who might wish to volunteer service, at which time he also noted an upcoming opportunity for local teens to serve. Students are welcome to apply to participate by Thurs., Sept. 14, 2023. (PN Photo)
Mayor Scott A. Wehrli and the Naperville City Council invite all Naperville resident high school students to fill student positions on several City boards and commissions and participate in a Leadership Academy, presented through a partnership with KidsMatter.
The deadline for students to apply is Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.
The City invites students to apply for the following City of Naperville boards and commissions: Financial Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Rights & Fair Housing Commission, Naper Settlement Museum Board, Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees, Public Utilities Advisory Board, Riverwalk Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Special Events & Community Arts Commission and Transportation Advisory Board. There are more than 20 positions available. In addition to serving on a City board or commission, all student representatives are invited to attend the Leadership Academy.
“Serving on a board or commission is a great way to learn about how local government can contribute to the community and the responsibility that goes along with it,” Wehrli said. “We encourage high school students to apply and share their ideas.”
KidsMatter, a Naperville nonprofit dedicated to building resilient kids who say “No” to destructive choices and “Yes” to endless possibilities, developed the Leadership Academy to enhance the student representative experience. The Leadership Academy provides leadership skills training that applies to many domains in life and familiarizes students with the structure of meeting protocols. It helps participants create peer connections and share experiences among student representatives.
Before completing an application, the City encourages students to review the City’s Boards and Commissions Guide at naperville.il.us/boards to help assess which board or commission is a good fit and to make sure they understand the roles and responsibilities.
Student representatives should anticipate actively participating on the board or commission and the Leadership Academy, so students and their families should consider the time commitment required. Student representatives are required to attend 75% of scheduled meetings.
Apply online at naperville.il.us/boards
Interested students should apply online by clicking the “Apply” button on the appropriate board or commission webpage. A complete list and description of boards and commissions, as well as their meeting dates and times, is available at naperville.il.us/boards.
Please note that not all sections of the application will apply to students. In lieu of a resume, students may submit a statement of interest that should indicate their year in school.
Students must live within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Naperville. High school seniors receive preference; however, all high school students may apply. All students who have served on a board or commission in previous years will need to reapply.
Leadership Academy kicks off Sat., Oct. 28
The Leadership Academy will include a kickoff from 10AM to 4PM Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
Students in need of more information should contact Julie Dumler at (630) 420-6031 or dumlerj@naperville.il.us.
