Springfield Students Simulate Legislative Process

Sixty-five high schoolers from the 54th Senate District engaged in a mock committee hearing at the University of Illinois.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing silhouettes of students in a historic university chamber, reflecting a mock legislative session. — Sixty-five students from Illinois high schools participated in a youth advisory program at the University of Illinois in Springfield to simulate legislative processes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe youth legislative advisory programs effectively prepare students for future civic engagement?

Senator Steve McClure recently hosted 65 high school students from 16 schools at the University of Illinois in Springfield. The students participated in a youth advisory council program, which included a mock committee hearing on Chicago Bears stadium legislation.

Why it matters

This program provides local students with direct insight into the legislative process, helping them build communication skills and engage with diverse political viewpoints. It prepares participants for civic involvement by letting them take on roles such as legislators, citizens, and lobbyists.

A total of 65 students from 16 different high schools within the 54th Senate District took part in the event held at the University of Illinois campus in Springfield.

The players

Steve McClure

He is a State Senator representing the 54th Senate District who hosted the youth advisory program.

Sally Turner

She is a State Senator who provided a presentation to the students during the event.

Lisa Holder White

She is a Justice who served as a guest speaker for the visiting students.

Mike Miletich

He is a reporter who shared professional insights with the student participants.

The details

The participating students assumed various roles including lawmakers, concerned citizens, and lobbyists to conduct a mock committee hearing. During the session, the group debated, proposed amendments, and voted on mock legislation centered around Chicago Bears stadium negotiations.

The Youth Advisory Council event took place in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This program mirrors the broader trend of state-sponsored Youth Advisory Council legislative simulation programs designed to foster civic participation. By immersing students in mock committee proceedings, it marks a shift toward experiential learning over traditional classroom-based civics education.

Local high schoolers interested in participating in the program next year are encouraged to reach out to their school principal or superintendent for guidance. This event offers students a practical, hands-on understanding of how regional policies and legislative debates directly affect the area.

The takeaway

Engaging in mock legislative processes can significantly enhance a student's ability to communicate complex ideas and understand varying viewpoints. High schoolers can improve their public speaking and critical thinking skills by participating in these structured civic education programs.