NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Mayor Steve Chirico and the Naperville City Council invite all Naperville high school students to fill student positions on several City boards and commissions and participate in a Leadership Academy, presented through a partnership with KidsMatter. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 30, 2022.

Students are invited to apply for the following City of Naperville boards and commissions: Financial Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Rights & Fair Housing Commission, Naper Settlement Museum Board, Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees, Planning and Zoning Commission, Public Utilities Advisory Board, Riverwalk Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Special Events & Cultural Amenities Commission and Transportation Advisory Board.  There are 25 positions available.  In addition to serving on a City board or commission, all student representatives are invited to attend the Leadership Academy.

KidsMatter, a Naperville non-profit dedicated to building resilient kids who say “No” to destructive choices and “Yes” to endless possibilities, has developed the Leadership Academy to enhance the student representative experience.  The Leadership Academy will provide leadership skills training that applies to many domains in life, familiarizes students with the structure of meeting protocols, and creates peer connections and the ability to share experiences among student representatives. 

Interested students should apply online by clicking the “Apply” button on the appropriate board or commission web page.  A complete list and description of boards and commissions, as well as their meeting dates and times, is available at Naperville.il.us/boards.  Please note that not all sections of the application will apply to students.  In lieu of a resume, students may submit a statement of interest that should indicate their year in school. 

Students must live within the boundaries of the City of Naperville.  Preference is given to high school seniors; however, all high school students may apply. Any students who have served on a board or commission in previous years will need to reapply.  Students should anticipate actively participating on the board or commission and the Leadership Academy; therefore, consideration should be given to the time commitment required. 

The Leadership Academy will include a kick off on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. Students in need of more information should contact Rachel Pruneda at (630) 420-6031 or prunedar@naperville.il.us with any questions.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.