The mission of the Prairie Village Youth Council is to give local students an opportunity to learn and actively participate in municipal government, positively impact our community, and gain leadership experience. This program coincides with the academic school year. Participation will begin mid-fall and conclude with a recognition ceremony in April. 

Youth Councilmembers will have an opportunity to work closely with City Council representatives, join Councilmembers on the dais and participate in discussions during the Council Committee meetings, tour and learn about our Public Works department, do a ride-along and learn about our Police Department, attend committee meetings, and will give a brief presentation to the Council. We are excited to offer this very hands-on learning experience for our youth in Prairie Village.

Program requirements

The student must be a Prairie Village resident (full or part-time) or student at Shawnee Mission East or Kansas City Christian, and be a sophomore, junior, or senior high school student. Participants and their parents must be willing to sign an agreement to complete all of the requirements. 

Activities include (over the course of one school year)

• Work closely with the City Council and Mayor
• Youth Council Orientation, including introduction to City staff and Mayor
• Learning sessions: 
  • City Hall 
  • Public Safety
  • Public Works
  • Municipal Court
• Attend three committee meetings
• Volunteer for special events like the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting and the Gingerbread House Party
• Give a brief public presentation on approved topic of choice during City Council meeting
• Attend six City Council Meetings (meetings occur on the first and third Mondays of the month, beginning at 6 p.m. They last an average of 3 hours.)