Approximately 200 students from the East Valley, High Desert, Needles, Trona and West End regions are representing their high schools in the 8th Annual San Bernardino County Student Advisory Panel.
“The Student Advisory Panel really gives students a chance to create transformational change,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “I’m excited to hear their insights and recommendations. Ideas from previous student panelists have been shared with lawmakers and other decision-making authority figures, and some of these ideas have been subsequently enacted as policies, which shows the tangible difference our youth can make.”
The Student Advisory Panel provides a forum for youth voice and leadership.
During four weekly sessions, students share their thoughts on topics critical to the well-being of youth, their communities and their future. This year, students are discussing safety, education, the economy and access to health and wellness.
The program provides a leadership and civic engagement opportunity for students. They learn how to influence policy and create systemic opportunities for change that can positively impact their communities.
Students also demonstrate teamwork, public speaking and ethical decision-making skills.
“I’m learning leadership skills, and I’m learning communication skills. I’m learning all of these things that will help me in real life, such as for job interviews,” said Jordan, a student from Chaffey High School who participated in the West End region Student Advisory Panel. “Having my voice heard, it makes me feel like I matter and that this county really cares.”
Student participants engage with their peers to analyze the San Bernardino County Community Vital Signs Transformation Plan. Students are tasked with designing an interactive group presentation to demonstrate how key issues are affecting the vitality and wellbeing of their communities.
At the culmination, each group presents their feedback, recommendations for change and aspirations for their future to a panel of elected officials and community leaders.
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