Mayor Scott A. Wehrli and the Naperville City Council invite all Naperville resident high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply to fill student positions on several City boards and commissions and participate in a Leadership Academy, presented through a partnership with KidsMatter. The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 9.
Students may apply for the following City of Naperville boards and commissions: Advisory Commission on Disabilities, Financial Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission, Naper Settlement Museum Board, Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees, Public Utilities Advisory Board, Riverwalk Commission, Special Events and Community Arts Commission, Transportation Advisory Board, Sister Cities Commission and Building Review Board. There are 24 available seats, with two positions on each commission.
“Serving on a board or commission is a valuable opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in public service and volunteerism,” Wehrli said. “Their fresh perspectives are an asset as we work together, as a community, to shape Naperville’s future.”
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. KidsMatter will host the Leadership Academy kickoff on Oct. 26 for selected students at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. The Leadership Academy provides leadership skills training, familiarizes students with meeting protocols and helps participants create peer connections.
Before applying, students should review the City‘s Boards and Commissions Guide at www.naperville.il.us/boards to 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. Chosen students serve for the school year until May.
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, including their meeting dates and times, is available at www.naperville.il.us/boards. Please note that not all sections of the application will apply to students. Instead of a resume, students may submit a statement of interest indicating their year in school.
Students must live within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Naperville. Freshmen are ineligible, and preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Those students who have previously served on a board or commission are ineligible to apply. Students needing more information should contact Julie Dumler at 630-420-6031 or dumlerj@naperville.il.us.
