The Scottsbluff City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, highlighted the importance of youth civic engagement through a presentation by Empowering Families. Marissa Marquez, the program director, introduced a new initiative aimed at educating local youth about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Marquez explained that the organization has been running a civic participation program called Reconnect, which teaches students about local government, voting rights, and civic engagement. The program includes a six-week course culminating in a trip to Lincoln, where students will tour the Capitol and meet with state representatives. This year, 23 students from Scottsdale High School and two from Minasier High School will participate in the trip.

In addition to the Reconnect program, Marquez proposed the establishment of a Leadership Academy for students in Scottsbluff County. This academy would offer a year-long curriculum focused on leadership skills, public speaking, and community project development. Students would meet monthly and have opportunities to engage with elected officials, providing them with a platform to share their insights and perspectives with the council.

Several students from the Reconnect program shared their experiences and learnings during the meeting. They discussed historical voting rights, their volunteer activities, and future aspirations, emphasizing the program's impact on their understanding of civic duties.

The council expressed support for the initiatives presented, recognizing the value of fostering civic engagement among youth. The proposed Leadership Academy is expected to be a recurring agenda item in future council meetings, allowing for ongoing collaboration between the council and local students.