The City of Fitchburg recently concluded its second annual Youth Government Week, a program designed to introduce middle school students to the many career paths in local government. Nearly 20 students participated in this year’s event, gaining hands-on experience while learning how different city departments serve the community.
Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to: plant a tree with the Urban Forester/Naturalist; learn life-saving skills through “Stop the Bleed” with EMS; step into the role of Detective with the Police Department, including dusting for fingerprints and meeting the department’s new K9, Chico; explore the Fire Station and trying on the gear including using a fire extinguisher to put out a fire; build their dream home and learn from the City Assessor how property values and taxes work; enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Library, complete with a trivia competition; get hands-on with cameras and microphones while producing a mock news broadcast with FACTv; participate in a mock campaign and election for Mayor and meet current elected officials and explore Public Works with hands-on planting, composting, a recycling challenge, and demonstrations of City vehicles and watershed management…