Local teens can ask questions and get answers from elected leaders at the next The Teen Political Forum in Coral Springs.
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Teen Political Forum, on Thursday, April 18th from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The event is open to local high school students, and will be held at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive Coral Springs, Florida 33065.
The purpose of this forum is to have City and County elected officials enlighten students with their personal experiences as elected officials and address teen issues of interest, concluding with a Q & A from the student audience. At the Teen Political “Infinity” Forum, teens can get service hours; there will also be an opportunity to win Raffle Prizes, eat delicious food, and meet elected officials!
The event is open to all high school students who live in Coral Springs or who attend local high schools: Coral Springs High, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, Coral Glades High, Coral Springs Charter and J.P. Taravella High. Students who are home-schooled or attend private schools and live in Coral Springs are also welcome.
“Our goal is to provide an educational opportunity for high school students to ask questions of their elected officials from local, state and federal levels, while encouraging an interest in the workings of government,” said Joyce Campos, Community Relations Manager for the City of Coral Springs.
The event continues to grow in attendance by local teens each year.
“The Teen Political Forum has become very popular over the years as the students see the benefits of having their voices heard. Our average attendance each year is around 1400 students,” added Campos.
All topics of local interest are discussed at the event. At past Teen Political Forums, the students have asked questions covering dress code in school, quality of meals served, teacher salaries, SAT testing, school auditoriums, the status of a school bond issue, among other topics.
Teens from Coral Springs benefit greatly from attending this forum.
“Local teens who comprise the Steering Committee get to develop their leadership skills as they organize the event, under minimal adult supervision. They research their elected officials and their backgrounds and learn more about how government is conducted at various levels. Other students who attend the event get to interact directly with these elected officials whom they otherwise may not have an opportunity to meet. They ask questions and get answers to issues that are important to them. It is important for them to know that their voices can be heard and make an impact on those who make decisions,” said Campos.
Students may receive service hours for attending the Forum and the school with the highest attendance will win cash for their school.