The Scottsbluff City Council meeting on March 30, 2025, featured a significant discussion on youth engagement and civic participation. Local students shared their experiences and insights from a recent class focused on the importance of voting rights and community involvement.

Ariane Stanton, a recent graduate, emphasized the importance of self-motivation in learning and personal growth. She highlighted her volunteer work, including food delivery, and expressed her commitment to continuous self-improvement. Leslie Garrison, another student, shared her plans to attend Western Nebraska Community College and discussed her volunteer efforts with local organizations, including Empowering Families and the Polar Plunge charity event.

Empowering Families, a nonprofit organization, reported a notable increase in voter participation among youth, achieving a 7.8% rise in Southeast Scottsbluff during the last election. The organization aims to foster a sense of belonging and civic engagement among young people, helping them understand the historical struggles for voting rights.

The meeting underscored the importance of engaging youth in civic matters and preparing them to be future leaders in the community. The council expressed support for continuing efforts to establish a youth academy, which would further encourage young residents to participate in local governance and community activities.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a commitment to empowering the next generation and ensuring they are informed and active participants in their democracy. The council is expected to take further steps to support these initiatives in the coming months.