There are several ways for students to get involved in organizations that can help their schools and their communities. Here are a few organizations that seek student involvement.
Honorary Student Board Member
The Chicago Board of Education is seeking an Honorary Student Board Member for the 2009-2010 school year.
To be eligible, the student must have been or must be for this upcoming school year, a student council, junior class, or senior class officer or LSC student representative. The student must also hold at least a 3.0 G.P.A and have an attendance rate of 95% or better.
The student selected will be an advisor to the Board and represent the CPS student body on issues important to students. A $1,000 scholarship will be presented to the Student Board Member upon attending a two or four year college or university. Interested applicants should submit an application along with a current resume to the Office of the Board. Applications are being accepted now and must be submitted to the Board Office no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 28.
This program is now closed.
2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Competition
High school students are invited to participate in the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Competition. The topic for the essay competition is:
What event or person in Hispanic history has most influenced or inspired you or modern society and why?
Competition rules and an entry form are available at each high school or they may be 
downloaded online. Completed essays should be submitted to the competition coordinator at each school by September 30, 2009.
Essays will be judged on originality and creativity, cultural knowledge and research, organizational structure and clarity, as well as spelling and grammar. Students are eligible to win an array of prizes that include laptops, digital cameras, and scholarships.
For more information, contact Nutrition Support Services at (773) 553-2830.
This program is now closed.
CEO Student Advisory Council
The Youth Innovation Fund of Chicago provides action grants to student groups and classrooms for civic innovation projects. The council is comprised of 19 youth from high schools throughout the district. The Youth Innovation Fund is directed by the Mikva Challenge, the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, and the CPS Office of Service Learning.
Local School Councils
The LSC is composed of the principal, teachers, parents, community members and student representatives. While students aren’t allowed to vote on matters such as the school budget, choosing a principal or selecting the School Improvement Plan for Advancing Academic Achievement (SIPAAA), they do get an opportunity to learn and participate in a local school council.
Service-Learning
This unique program combines classroom curriculum with the needs and issues of the community to engage students in both areas.
Resources
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