Are you a high schooler in North Kansas City? Your city wants you in government

The famous “We the people” phrase may soon take on a more personal meaning for high schoolers in North Kansas City. School leaders and city council members want to create ways for students to become more involved in government.

The two groups met Tuesday night at North Kansas City High School, marking the first of what the two groups hope will become regular discussions between the city and the schools in order to resolve issues and create opportunities to collaborate.

Speakers stressed the importance of youth involvement in government as a way to train future community leaders and elected officials. They cited the North Kansas City Citizens Academy, mentorships and board memberships as ways for students to explore their government.

“We need to be our own heroes, and we need to grow our own successors,” deputy city administration Kim Nakahodo said.

North Kansas City Citizens Academy opportunities

The Citizens Academy is a free, 10-week program with weekly meetings that allows residents to meet elected officials and city staff, tour government facilities and learn the inner workings of the city.

Mayor Jesse Smith said the program has become so successful that is now has lengthy waitlists, but he said the city would look into finding extra spaces for interested high school students who live in North Kansas City if they reach out.

Nakahodo added that those running the program could work around the school schedule and even coordinate their meeting agendas with teachers’ lesson plans.

Mentorships, boards and ad hoc committees

Smith also urged school officials to reach out if any students are seeking mentors who work for the city.

“We have a lot of people who would be interested in that,” Smith said.

In addition, Smith pointed to the opportunity for students to become involved with city boards and ad hoc committees. High schoolers can apply to serve on existing boards, such as the library board or park and recreation board. Students were also encouraged to form their own ad hoc committees on issues they care about and bring their ideas to City Council.

“I think that can really create opportunities for students to shine and become the adults,” Council Member Tom Bailey said.