ExTEnDED LEARning OPTiOns
builD your
Government & Public
Administration skills with
extended learning.
Extra
Experience
A
t age 23, Diana Palacios is already school Clubs and Organizations members with training sessions and volunteer
a political leader. She has served as Student council and other community service experience in law enforcement activities.
a delegate to the state Republican organizations are great preparation for this
convention, as precinct chair for the cluster, says Daniel Reyes, teacher specialist for Mock government
Republican Party in the city of Denton, and as social studies at the San Antonio Independent It might not be possible to be a senator or
vice chair for the College Republicans at the School District. “They give students a government planner in high school, but
University of North Texas in Denton. sense of being in service to the public and students can certainly act like one. The
She didn’t start out as a leader, though, the opportunity to develop leadership and American Legion sponsors both a Boys State
describing herself as a “shy” ninth grader. teamwork skills.” Community service clubs and a Girls State, during which students
What made the difference? “Student council,” include the Key Club, the Leo Club, and the role-play operating city, county, and state
she says. National Honor Society. governments. “Students can read information
Business Professionals of in books, but these programs give a true taste
America (BPA) and Future of what it’s like to be in the political arena,”
Texas Has 254 counTIes and
Business Leaders of America says Connie Bridges, executive director for the
1,210 IncorporaTed cITIes, all of wHIcH
(FBLA) are also recommended American Legion Auxiliary Texas Girls State.
offer career opporTunITIes In publIc
for all the programs of The YMCA Youth and Government
study in this cluster. These Program offers students another opportunity
admInIsTraTIon.
organizations help students to participate in a model legislature as well as
grow professionally and develop role-play as lobbyists, government planners,
“Student council really prepared me in leadership skills. news reporters, and those in judicial and
terms of leadership, how to talk to people, Debate and speech clubs prepare students executive jobs. Model U.N. allows students
and how to be professional,” says Palacios, for the many jobs in this cluster that “require interested in Foreign Service to attend a mock
who will soon graduate from the University of you to quickly analyze and speak about United Nations
North Texas with bachelor’s degrees in both issues,” says Robert L. Giesler, principal session as a
political science and economics. at the Magnet Center for Public Service: representative
In student council at Andress High School Government, Law, and Law Enforcement. of a country and
in El Paso, Palacios learned leadership skills (See “Living Laboratory” on page 13 and debate pertinent
by serving as chairperson for committees and “Communication Competition” at right.) issues from the
attending leadership workshops offered by the For the Foreign Service program of study, perspective of their
Texas Association of Student Councils. language clubs are a good choice, says Karen country’s foreign
Student council is just one of the French, guidance counselor at Georgetown policy.
many clubs, programs, and extended High School.
learning opportunities that can help For the Planning, National Security, and
students prepare for a career in Regulation programs of study, the Explorer
Government & Public Administration. Program is recommended. It provides
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