Lombard invites teens to apply for youth programs
Applications are being accepted for two youth programs sponsored by the village of Lombard.
Communications Coordinator Avis Meade said both of the programs are great opportunities that "could benefit a student with long-term career goals."
The deadline for the second annual Youth Leadership Program has been extended to Friday, March 27.
High school students interested in learning how local government works are invited to apply online at villageoflombard.org.
Participants will get a chance to tour the police, fire, public works, community development and finance departments during four, 2-hour sessions every Thursday from April 16 to May 7.
Meade said the number of sessions increased from three to four this year because of the positive feedback given by last year's participants.
The program will be limited to 10 students. Meade said priority will be given to students who live in Lombard, but if the program doesn't fill up it may be extended to others who are interested, but live outside the village.
During the last session, students will meet with elected officials and attend a village board meeting, where they will receive a certificate for completing the program.
"It's our goal that village staff and elected officials can serve as mentors to these students as they advance to college and eventually into careers," Trustee Dan Whittington said in a statement.
Students interested in pursuing a career in fire service or emergency medical services also are invited to apply for the second annual Junior Firefighter Academy.
The program will take run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on two consecutive Saturdays, May 9 and 16. Meade said the hours of the program were lengthened this year, again because of the positive feedback received by last year's participants.
Students will learn how the department is structured, what responsibilities personnel have, the capabilities of each truck and ambulance and the teamwork required to be a firefighter.
The program will be a combination of lecture and hands-on drills and participants will perform physical activities such as carrying a hose, ascending stairs and crawling.
Like the leadership program, the class size is limited to 10 participants. Boys and girls ages 14 to 18 are invited to apply.
"These students will get close attention from fire department personnel and a chance to participate in drills that mimic real-life scenarios Lombard firefighters and EMS face on a daily basis," Fire Chief Paul DiRienzo said in a statement.
Applications for the fire program, which also are available online, are due April 17. For information on either program, contact Meade at (630) 620-5718 or meadea@villageoflombard.org.