West Chicago program aims to involve Latino youth

West Chicago is introducing a program to build civic engagement with the city's young Latino residents.

Called the Local Government Academy, the program will offer an in-depth look at the services and operations provided by city government, including a session on public service and volunteerism.

The eight-week, after-school program will be held in city hall and is for students ages 12 to 18 interested in making a difference in their community through civic leadership and participation.

"The Academy is the perfect way to highlight the role of local government and instill civic pride in the community," said Adrian Marquez, the city's community outreach specialist and Latino ombudsman.

Registration for the winter session is open and applications are available on the city's website at www.westchicago.org/local-government-academy.

Classes are scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursdays from Jan. 31 to March 21. The deadline for registration is Jan. 21.

The Local Government Academy is one more way the city is implementing the objectives outlined in the 2016 West Chicago Strategic Plan to connect all members of the community and provide civic engagement opportunities.

The launch of Tu Ciudad (a new page on the city's website which contains news about city services, special events, and more in Spanish) as well as a city Facebook page for Spanish speakers, are additional efforts that have been initiated to involve the Latino population in city government.

For more, information on this program, please contact Adrian Marquez at amarquez@westchicago.org or 630-293-2200, ext. 123.