Naperville Offers Two Opportunities for Students to Get Involved in Local Government
Applications due 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8
Student Representative Program
Students may apply to be a representative on the following City boards and commissions:
• Advisory Commission on Disabilities
• Building Review Board
• Financial Advisory Board
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Human Rights and 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 and Community Arts Commission
• Transportation Advisory Board
There are 26 available seats, with two positions on each commission. Applicants may apply to up to three boards and commissions, in addition to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff internship. Students must live within the incorporated boundaries of Naperville. Freshmen are ineligible, and preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Those students who have previously served on a board or commission are ineligible to apply. Before applying, students should review the City's Boards and Commissions Guide at naperville.il.us/boards to understand the representative responsibilities and time commitment level.
KidsMatter Internship – Mayor’s Chief of Staff
Coming off a successful pilot program during the 2024-2025 school year, the City has teamed up with KidsMatter to offer an exciting internship opportunity for up to six high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors: serving in a Chief of Staff role to Mayor Scott Wehrli. This position is well suited for students with strong communication, writing and organizational skills. Selected students will support the Mayor at public functions by engaging with attendees, answering questions, taking photos and more. The position has flexible hours based on event schedule, and some evening and weekend availability is required. A full job description of the KidsMatter Internship – Mayor’s Chief of Staff position can be seen at the Boards and Commissions webpage.
“This program is special to me because I discovered my passion for public service as a teen,” Mayor Wehrli said. “Our students won’t simply observe — they’ll roll up their sleeves alongside us. Through these roles, they will see how our city operates, from daily operations to attending significant community moments. This program represents the next generation of leaders who will continue to make Naperville a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
“I loved how this program opened my eyes to a new side of Naperville,” said Tabetha Black, a rising Naperville North senior who participated in the pilot Chief of Staff program during the 2024-2025 school year. “Getting to assist Mayor Wehrli at some of the events he attended helped me understand how diverse our community really is!”
Students selected for either program are invited to begin their experience at the KidsMatter Leadership Academy on Oct. 25. This is a great opportunity to gain an understanding of civic responsibility and the leadership skills necessary to serve on the City’s boards and commissions or in the Chief of Staff program. The academy will serve as an orientation, where attendees will learn about city meeting protocols and meet other students in the program.
“Our main goal at KidsMatter is to empower young people, and we’re incredibly proud to partner with the City of Naperville on these impactful student programs,” said KidsMatter CEO and Executive Director Nina Menis. “These programs help build leadership skills that will help them in the future and ultimately benefit the Naperville community.”
How to Apply
Students interested in serving as either a student representative or Chief of Staff intern must apply online by clicking the "Apply" button on any board or commission webpage on the City’s website. The full list is available on the Boards and Commissions webpage. Applicants for both positions should complete the profile section, answer the Student Representative Only questions and upload a resume or statement of interest. For those interested in the KidsMatter – Mayor's Chief of Staff internship, please answer "yes" to the relevant question on the application form. Students needing more information should contact Rachel Pruneda at prunedar@naperville.il.us or 630-548-2983.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 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.