City Hall School commemorated a significant milestone: 25 years of dedicated service in teaching young Calgarians about active civic engagement and community involvement. This unique educational program has been instrumental in showing students how they can directly contribute to strengthening their communities and shaping the future of their city.
City Hall School offers teachers the opportunity to relocate their classrooms to the Municipal Building for a week-long, custom-designed learning experience. Through this immersive program, students have the chance to meet with elected officials and collaborate with City of Calgary employees, gaining an inside look at how the municipal government operates and learning how they can play an active role in local governance.
“By immersing students in the workings of our city, we’ve inspired a generation to think critically and act proactively,” said Jenelle de Jesus, City Hall School coordinator. “Celebrating 25 years of this program reaffirms our commitment to nurturing informed and engaged citizens and acknowledges the importance of the role that community has in supporting young people in this city.”
To mark this special occasion, Mayor Jyoti Gondek joined the staff, partners and friends of the program in a special ceremony.
“Over the last 25 years, City Hall School has inspired countless students to become active participants in our community.” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “Each week, I look forward to meeting students and am always inspired by their curiosity and enthusiasm. I am proud of the partnerships forged over the last two decades and thank all of the dedicated teachers and City employees for making this initiative such a success.”
Since its inception, more than 17,100 students from grades 3-12 have participated in the program, each leaving with a greater appreciation for their role as active citizens.
City Hall School is a partnership between The City of Calgary and Campus Calgary/Open Minds. For more information, please visit calgary.ca/city-hall-school.
