Rep. Paul Jacobs joined Rep. Patrick Windhorst last week in welcoming students from Vienna High School to the State Capitol. Student council members met with state representatives to advocate for public school funding. Additionally, students frequently attend leadership conferences and Illinois 4-H events at the capitol.
“It is important for young people to learn about their government and understand how to best advocate for the issues that impact them and their communities,” said Rep. Jacobs. “
Recent activities and programs involving Vienna High School students at the capitol include:
- Educational Funding Advocacy: Student council members traveled to the Illinois State Capitol to join Funding Illinois’ Future (FIF), where they rallied and met with legislators to advocate for full funding of state schools.
- 4-H Speaking for Illinois: Juniors and sophomores were selected for the 4-H leadership program, giving them opportunities to engage directly with state leaders at the capitol and develop civic advocacy skills.
- Student Advisory Council: Students participate in the 59th District Student Advisory Council, gaining hands-on experience in the legislative process by drafting bill ideas and debating them in mock committee hearings at the statehouse.
- ISBE Student Summits: Selected student leaders have attended summits to provide direct feedback on classroom experiences and educational initiatives to the Illinois State Board of Education.