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Council backs phased restart of Temecula “Youth in Government” program, to co‑create curriculum with schools
Summary
Council instructed staff to revive and modernize the Youth in Government program by co‑creating curriculum with Temecula Valley Unified School District, expanding participation across high schools in phases and combining school‑site visits with an option for city hall tours.
The City Council on Tuesday directed staff to restart the Youth in Government program, with a phased rollout that emphasizes co‑creation with Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD), inclusive participation across high schools and classroom‑based delivery tied to school curriculum.
Staff explained the pre‑pandemic program brought 21 AP government seniors (seven from each comprehensive high school) to two half‑day sessions: role selection and shadowing on day one and a mock council meeting on day two. Feedback from students and staff said the old format was too short, limited in inclusion and difficult for staff to support because it removed many mid‑level staff from daily duties for two full days.
Council directed staff to design a new program that meets three stated purposes: build familiarity with local government, promote civil discourse, and expose students to public‑sector career paths. The council agreed the program should prioritize high school students in TVUSD but also follow a phased plan to ultimately engage private schools and homeschool groups. Staff said the program should include the three comprehensive high schools plus continuation, independent and charter/virtual high schools as a near‑term objective.
Under the approved direction staff will: meet with TVUSD leadership and designated liaisons from each high school, co‑design age‑appropriate curriculum and timing, consider classroom visits and rotating on‑campus sessions rather than relying solely on a City Hall visit, and prepare a launch plan for the fall 2025 school year. Councilmembers suggested including commissioners and volunteer leaders in classroom sessions when appropriate, and keeping the option for small groups to tour City Hall with a short, structured curriculum.
Councilmembers supported a phased approach to ensure the program is feasible with existing staff resources and can expand later to additional schools and homeschool networks. Staff will return with a detailed proposal, cost and staffing needs and a recommended implementation schedule.
