Citrus Heights City Clerk Amy Van. Photo courtesy of Citrus Heights City Council

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The City of Citrus Heights is taking its first steps to create specific “Youth in Government” programming to encourage and engage local youth to help chart the city’s future through civic engagement.

The Citrus Heights City Council heard a presentation from Citrus Heights City Clerk Amy Van on Feb. 26, describing multiple opportunities and incentive programs which would support student and parent investment into Citrus Heights.

Van said in a staff report that, “There is no question that the successful future of the City of Citrus Heights lies, in part, in the hands of well-developed, socially and civically engaged young people.”

She said the goal of creating youth in government program stemmed from an objective developed at a strategic planning retreat which was held by the city in March 2024.

The youth program ideas outlined before the City Council by the city clerk grew from prior conversations that have taken place between city staff, San Juan Unified School District representatives, and local Citrus Heights school principals.

Van introduced the first of several ideas under consideration, including the establishment of a “Student in Government Day,” geared toward high school-aged students.

Students would be able to meet and interact with city staff and council members, learn about city departments, participate in discussions on local city projects, shadow city council members, and participate in city council meetings, Van said.

City Council members directed the city to begin the process to implement a “Students in Government Day” for the upcoming 2025-26 school year and then phase in the other proposed ideas which were described in the city clerk’s presentation based on continuing feedback from local principals and district representatives.

The opportunity to engage youth from local schools in local government affairs received support from City Council members during the council meeting who praised the preliminary initiatives, saying they were “very impressed” and that the proposed programs would “provide a track for future leaders.”

Van’s report to council also summarized the outcome of discussions with the San Juan Unified School District’s director of elementary schools, which was instrumental in the formation of a Citrus Heights Collaborative working group of Citrus Heights principals which now meet regularly to discuss items specific to Citrus Heights schools.

“There is a desire in Citrus Heights to focus on supporting family involvement in schools and fostering positive community engagement, and to build-up youth through education, experience, and mentorship,” Van told council members.

The city has collaborated with youth from local schools, hosting behind the scenes tours for youth organizations of City Hall throughout the last year and joining Lichen K-8 on a commemorative Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, which is an annual event held on Nov. 14.

High school student council members from San Juan High School and Mesa Verde High School have been invited to make presentations to the Citrus Heights City Council about ongoing events and student activities, Van said.

The second proposed idea involved creating a summer internship or public service program for youth ages 16 to 20 who could gain local government affairs experience by working for the city. Van said the interview-based program could offer a scholarship program and be structured during the summer months to avoid conflict with school schedules.

Establishment of a Youth Advisory Commission, where youth would apply and be appointed by the same process in which other members of the community are appointed to other city committees, was also described.

Members would be an advisory body to the City Council and would discuss topics deemed important to youth in the city and provide periodic updates on their work to the council.

Lastly, the city introduced the idea of holding a middle school public debate program, where middle school students could research a topic and present arguments for or against in a debate format.

“Encouraging young people to participate in governance not only strengthens democratic institutions but also ensures the sustainability of public service initiatives,” Van said in her report to council. “This program would give the students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, public speaking, and engage civically.”