State Senator Erica Harriss welcomed nearly 50 high school students and educators to Southwestern Illinois College Sam Wolf Campus this month for her Fall Youth Advisory Council (YAC), an initiative designed to give students a firsthand look at state government.
“I love hosting the Youth Advisory Council because it gives students a chance to see government in action and explore how they can shape their communities,” said Senator Harriss. “Watching them learn and grow is incredibly rewarding.”
Senator Harriss’ YAC is a two-part series. During the fall session, students hear from guest speakers and participate in small group sessions to develop bill ideas to debate with their peers. The overall winning bill idea will be debated during the Spring Youth Advisory Council at the Capitol.
“I thought this was really fun and I like talking to like new people from different schools and hearing about their perspectives on different problems. I would like to do something with politics, but maybe not be a politician, but just continue to learn about politics,” said Penelope Bauer of Collinsville High School.
During the spring session, students assume different legislative roles, such as citizen proponent/opponent, lobbyist proponent/opponent, Democrat/Republican lawmakers, and press/media, to debate their proposed legislation in a mock committee hearing.
“I took AP government last year at my school and so I kind of had an idea and understanding of the legislative process. I liked that being a part of the council is a way that I can be involved with other students not just in the area but throughout the state,” said Holly Forrester of Marquette Catholic High School.
Students also had the opportunity to hear from SWIC Campus Executive Director Sue McClure and take a tour of the Granite City campus. Other speakers at the fall event included Chris Mitchell, Manager of Communications & Transportation for Granite City Community Unit School District #9, and Katie Hubbard, local attorney.
“I’m glad that we got to tour the campus and get a feel for a college similar to this. I know, obviously, there’s a lot around us. And it’s been great to meet with the senator and all the guest speakers that they’ve had. It’s given us a lot of insight on the careers that we want to go into, the different opportunities that we have after high school,” said Kayla Williams of O’Fallon High School.
“At the end of the day, you look back on your life and how you bettered the community and this is one of the ways. To me, the ability to change laws and make a difference for everyone, that’s super important. And that’s what’s intriguing to me,” said Josephine Bradley of Edwardsville High School.
Refreshments and lunch for the Youth Advisory Council were provided by Meridian Health Plan of Illinois and Uncle Linny’s Restaurant.
