The City of Northwoods recently received a technology grant from Southwestern Bell that allowed Northwoods to equip its city hall with four state-of-the-art computers. City Manager, Lillian Eunice, envisioned using this opportunity as a springboard to teach high school students how to create a web site and an electronic newsletter for the City of Northwoods. The web site and newsletter will be valuable work products; however, they are also vehicles to provide selected high school students with unique learning experiences in leadership, civic responsibility, language and communication skills, public policy and technology.

The Northwoods Youth Information Project has three major objectives. First, this program will enhance the city¹s capacity to provide its residents with up-to-date information about city events, ordinances, and frequently asked questions through the web site and electronic newsletter. Second, it will enhance the civic leadership capacity of Normandy High School students. Third, it will provide an opportunity to learn academic skills coupled with real-world use of technology in a context of public service. These three objectives directly benefit the Northwoods community and the students.

Students attending Normandy High School have the opportunity to participate in this unique learning experience. Selection criteria include a demonstration of interest; a 12-week commitment of approximately 2-4 hours per week (starting Fall of 2003); academic achievement (gradepoint average of C or above); approval of parents and teachers; and completion of application on back cover of this brochure. In addition to unique learning experiences,  completion of the Northwoods Youth Information Project qualifies students for 25 community service hours necessary to graduate.