High school students interested in learning about local government can now apply for the City of Santa Clarita’s four-week Youth in Government Program, which begins on June 4, and concludes on June 28. Applications are being accepted through Friday, April 13.

Designed to encourage civic participation among leaders of the future, the City’s Youth in Government Program teaches high-school students about local government functions, services and management.

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“The City of Santa Clarita is excited to offer high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with local government operations,” commented Mayor Laurie Ender. “The Youth in Government Program encourages teamwork, leadership skill development and critical thinking.”

Through a variety of leadership building activities and field trips, youth will get a behind-the-scenes look into City operations by working directly with City staff of various departments including: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Public Works, and Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

Youth will also participate in educational workshops,   meet City Council members and staff, attend a Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor’s Meeting, as well as gain valuable work experience as an intern within a City department.

High-school students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in fall 2012 are eligible to apply for the Youth in Government Program.

Applications are available online at scyouthandfamily.com/vip and can be sent via fax to (661) 284-1424, or by mail to: City of Santa Clarita, Human Resources, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 110, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Qualified applicants will be notified by the week of April 16 for interviews during the week of April 23.

For more information on the Youth in Government Program, please contact Community Services Administrator Janine Prado at (661) 250-3708.