The junior sitting in AP Government at Naperville North this fall could also hold a real seat on the city's Planning and Zoning Commission. That's not hypothetical.
The City of Naperville is accepting applications for 24 student representative positions across 12 boards and commissions, plus up to eight Mayor's Chief of Staff internships, according to a city announcement published Aug. 9. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
District 203 students at Naperville North and Naperville Central return to class Thursday, Aug. 13. District 204 students at Neuqua Valley and Metea Valley start Monday, Aug. 17. That gives students across both districts roughly three weeks to apply.
What's on the table
Students can apply for two seats on each of these boards: Planning and Zoning Commission, Riverwalk Commission, Naper Settlement Museum Board, Naperville Public Library Board, Advisory Commission on Disabilities, Financial Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission, Public Utilities Advisory Board, Sister Cities Commission, Special Events Cultural Arts Commission and Transportation Advisory Board.
Most boards meet in the evening. Two exceptions: the Riverwalk Commission meets at 8:30 a.m. and the Naper Settlement Museum Board meets at 8:15 a.m.
The Mayor's Chief of Staff internship, run in partnership with Naperville-based nonprofit KidsMatter, places up to eight students alongside Mayor Scott Wehrli at community events. Interns engage with attendees, answer questions and take photos. Hours are flexible, but some evening and weekend availability is required. Last year's program offered up to six internship slots, according to NCTV17 coverage; this year's announcement lists up to eight.
Who can apply
Sophomores, juniors and seniors may apply for board seats. Only sophomores and juniors are eligible for the mayoral internship. All applicants must live within Naperville's incorporated boundaries, and students who previously served on a board or commission cannot reapply. Students can apply for up to three boards and may simultaneously apply for the internship.
What happens after selection
Selected students from both programs begin at the KidsMatter Leadership Academy on Saturday, Nov. 7. The academy covers city meeting protocols and connects students with their peers in the program. Both programs run through July 31, 2027.
"I'll never forget being police chief for a day back in junior high," Mayor Wehrli said in the city's announcement. "When we open the doors of the Mayor's Office to young people who want to serve, we give them a real look at how their city works."
Abigail Hennessey, a Chief of Staff intern during the 2025-26 school year, said in the announcement that she attended ribbon cuttings for new businesses and centennial birthday parties for Naperville's oldest residents. She described learning "about Naperville, not as a city, but as a people."
How to apply
Visit naperville.il.us/boards, click "Apply" on any board or commission page, complete the profile and Student Representative questions, and upload a résumé or statement of interest. Students interested in the internship answer "yes" to the relevant question on the same form. Questions can be directed to Rachel Pruneda at [email protected] or 630-420-6018.
Key dates ahead
- Thursday, Aug. 13 — First day of school, District 203 (Naperville North, Naperville Central, all elementary and junior high schools)
- Monday, Aug. 17 — First day of school, District 204 (Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, Still Middle School, Scullen Middle School, all elementary schools)
- Thursday, Sept. 3 — KidsMatter Volunteer Fair, 5–7 p.m., Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Dr. (one day before the application deadline)
- Friday, Sept. 4 — Application deadline, 5 p.m., for student board seats and Mayor's Chief of Staff internship
