By Dianne Anderson

Sophomore and junior high school students are getting first-hand experience in understanding civic engagement and policy to help make a mark on the world.

They may not yet be ready to cast their first vote, but they’re already getting ahead of the curve in the grown-up world of public service, and gaining the long view on community leadership.

State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, who developed the program, said it is giving local students the tools and strategies they need to turn their ideas into action.

“Our youth are the future of this great Inland Empire,” said Sen. Reyes. “It is our obligation and privilege as the leaders of today to prepare them to lead our communities to greatness tomorrow. These opportunities close the gaps of opportunity so students can leap forward with fresh ideas and optimism, and I look forward to seeing what this next cohort will do.”

Srishti Surana, participant and volunteer with the program, started in 2023 when it was previously called the Young Legislators program. She said it is an exciting path for high schoolers to learn and understand impact through leadership and public service. Especially these days, things are volatile and changing fast, requiring more attention to political issues than remembered in past years.

At the same time, she said younger students today are not oblivious. They are bringing new energy and trying to make a difference.

“Absolutely, the kids involved in these programs are interested in getting involved in politics and engagement. We see these students asking questions, they’re sharing ideas, they’re being taken seriously,” she said, also commending Maria Brunner, program coordinator, for pulling the effort together with purpose.

In the program, students’ concerns are taken seriously as they learn to stand up and take charge to create change. Lately, she has seen an influx of people trying to get involved in politics and policy to influence their communities.

“In this day and age, everything is so heavily politicized and we are seeing so many issues going around. I see these kids participating in the process and they’re trying to create actual change for their community,” she said.

For high school students just starting to explore future paths, the program is an eye opener, she said. It also opens the door for students to be engaged at the government level and learn how to face the important issues of the day. Since starting the program, she has stayed involved as much as possible volunteering while continuing her studies in political science.

She said the program even helps students get a better idea of how to carve their own career paths.

“I believe this program is absolutely incredible. It introduces a lot of different areas within policy. I remember in my program we went to the chamber of commerce, participated in civic engagement, looked at environmental policy, and education policy that helped out different types of people, and learned about law,” said Surana, a sophomore at UCSD.

Given the current political situation, she feels that most students are aware of how policy stretches across every area of life and opens up access to a broader environment, such as environmental or infrastructure.

“I study political science, but even my friends studying computer science, psychology, and all these STEM majors are so heavily involved in politics. You can’t avoid it,” she said.

Allison Wescott said Sen. Reyes’s Young Senators program prepares students for future internships and careers in public service. By connecting them with local leaders and policymakers, students can glean important insights from these leaders on how the legislative process works.

The program accepts from 20 to 60 sophomore and junior-year high school students annually from across the 29th Senate District, covering much of the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, and Fontana.

“Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in government positions and have even made an impact on public policy. When browsing through our applicants, we try to select students who are civically engaged and enthusiastic about a potential career in public service,” said Wescott, spokesperson for Sen. Reyes.

Also coming up, the Senator’s office is reaching out to high school seniors preparing for college to get their financial aid documents ready on time. On Friday, February 20, the Financial Aid Super Friday gives students a chance to get their applications ready before the priority filing deadline of Monday, March 2 for the FAFSA and California Dream Act Application.

To be held at University Hall, Cal State San Bernardino, the event runs from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in partnership with Sen. Reyes’ office, Growing Inland Achievement, BLU Educational Foundation, EdTrust West, and CSUSB’s Cal SOAP, where students and families will get one-on-one assistance, free parking, and light refreshments.

Students should bring their 2024 tax returns, W-2s, and Social Security numbers to complete their FAFSA or California Dream Act applications in one sitting, which also ensures they meet the March 2 priority deadline and a chance at the $500 on-site scholarship raffle.

“Navigating financial aid applications for the first time can be a daunting task for young people and their families, and this event aims to address information gaps they face,” Wescott said. “The event provides direct assistance with FAFSA and CADAA applications, guidance, and hands-on support, which helps students develop a clear plan to fund higher education.”

For more information on the event, RSVP at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/financial-aid-super-friday-tickets-1981270591674

To be ready with financial documents, see
https://www.csusb.edu/educational-opportunity-center/information-resources/student-financial-resources

To stay updated on district news and programs, see Sen. Reyes’ at  https://sd29.senate.ca.gov