Maine West students get hands-on government experience

The Maine West High School Clinical Government Program, held at Des Plaines City Hall each summer, allows students to fulfill a half-credit government course requirement - and well as see firsthand how a city is run.

Students attend a classroom session with Social Science Instructor Owen Doak, followed by participating in work stations in city departments and other agencies.

This year's Clinical Government program was underway when the June 18, 2010 storm hit Des Plaines. Some students participating in the program toured the southern portion of the city where they observed the aftermath of the storm three days later.

The clinical government program concluded July 1 with a news conference, where students were invited to ask questions of city department and agency representatives based on their three-week experience. The news conference was televised on Cable Channel 17.