Aurora Christian School Launches Legislative Academy, Turning Students Into Lawmakers

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thu, Dec 12th, 2025 by Chicago Tribune
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Aurora Christian Students Get a Front‑Row Seat to Congress, Learning What It Really Takes to Pass Bills

In a bold move that has drawn praise from local lawmakers and educational experts alike, Aurora Christian School in Illinois has launched a year‑long program that lets its high‑schoolers step into the shoes of lawmakers, learn the intricacies of the legislative process, and ultimately draft and lobby for their own student‑written bills. The initiative, unveiled on December 4, 2025, is being heralded as a model for civic engagement that blends classroom instruction with real‑world practice.

A Program That Goes Beyond the Textbook

At its core, the program—known as “Aurora Legislative Academy” (ALA)—was conceived by Principal Dr. Lena Ortiz and political science teacher Mark Haverford, who were inspired by a similar model at St. Louis Catholic Academy that reportedly increased student engagement in local elections. The ALA curriculum follows the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the structure of Congress, while also delving into policy research, negotiation tactics, and the art of persuasive writing.

“The idea was to move students from theoretical knowledge to tangible experience,” says Ortiz. “We want them to understand not just the ‘what’ of lawmaking, but the ‘how’—the compromises, the alliances, the strategic use of committees and floor debates.”

From Debate Club to the Capitol

Each semester, students split into “Senate” and “House” groups, with teachers acting as procedural chairs. They research current legislative priorities—such as mental‑health funding for youth, renewable‑energy incentives for small businesses, and reforms to school‑budget allocations—then draft bills that address these issues. The bills are then subjected to mock committee hearings, where other students play the roles of senators, representatives, and lobbyists.

In the spring, the most promising proposals are presented to the school’s governing board, which then collaborates with local politicians to submit the student‑written legislation to the Illinois General Assembly. In 2024, a student‑authored amendment for improved after‑school counseling services successfully passed as a state‑wide initiative, garnering bipartisan support. This success has energized the program’s leadership and provided a tangible example of student impact.

The “What It Takes” Curriculum

The ALA’s “What It Takes” modules break down the legislative journey into five phases:

1. Drafting – students learn how to translate policy ideas into coherent, legally sound language, often guided by templates from the Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau.
2. Committee Vetting – they simulate committee hearings, practice presenting evidence, and respond to counter‑arguments.
3. Floor Debate – under the watchful eye of a retired Illinois senator, students debate amendments, time‑allocate speeches, and master the art of filibustering—albeit in a controlled, classroom‑friendly manner.
4. Lobbying – teachers coach students in outreach strategies, including email templates, persuasive storytelling, and the proper etiquette of contacting legislators.
5. Legislative Tracking – students monitor the bill’s progress in real‑time, learning to interpret session calendars, budget reports, and committee reports—skills that the school believes will translate into responsible citizenship.

The program also partners with the Illinois Legislative Reference Bureau (ILRB) and the local Aurora City Council, offering students guest lectures and mentorship opportunities. In one highlight, former Representative Karen Bledsoe delivered a lecture on bipartisan negotiation, emphasizing the importance of building relationships across ideological lines.

Student Voices

Senior Maya Patel, who drafted a bill advocating for expanded digital‑learning subsidies for low‑income students, says the experience has reshaped her worldview. “Before, I saw politics as distant and abstract. Now I see how every line of a bill matters, and I can actually help shape policy that benefits my peers.”

Another participant, freshman Carlos Reyes, credits the program for steering him toward a future in public policy. “I’ve always been curious about how laws affect everyday life. This program showed me that I can make a difference—no matter how young I am.”

Community and Political Support

The initiative has received endorsements from several local officials. Mayor Lisa McDonald called the program “a vital investment in the next generation of leaders,” while State Representative Michael O’Connor praised the school for fostering “informed, active citizens.” These endorsements have led to a partnership with the Aurora School District to incorporate civic education modules across all grades, ensuring that the program’s impact extends beyond the high school.

Additionally, the ALA has partnered with the Illinois Youth Legislative Association (IYLA), allowing its students to participate in statewide competitions where they present their bills to a panel of judges comprising lawmakers, lobbyists, and legal scholars. The program's inaugural competition on November 30 saw 12 student teams presenting to a panel of four former state senators, who all remarked on the depth of research and clarity of advocacy displayed.

Why It Matters

According to educational researcher Dr. Angela McKinley of Northwestern University, programs like ALA are “critical in bridging the gap between theoretical civic knowledge and active participation.” She notes that students exposed to legislative processes early on are more likely to vote in subsequent elections and to volunteer for community service.

“Learning how to navigate the legislative maze demystifies politics,” she explains. “When students see that they can influence outcomes, they are less likely to feel alienated from the democratic process.”

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, Aurora Christian School plans to expand the ALA’s scope by integrating policy simulation games and virtual reality experiences that transport students into the chambers of the U.S. Congress. In a statement released on December 1, Principal Ortiz announced the launch of a partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which will provide students with a digital portal to track federal bills, analyze voting patterns, and even communicate directly with congressional staff through moderated email templates.

As the program evolves, one thing remains clear: Aurora Christian School’s initiative is not just a novelty—it is a transformative educational experience that equips young people with the tools, confidence, and passion to shape the future. In a time when civic engagement is often dismissed as a distant concern, the school’s bold experiment offers a blueprint for how schools can nurture the next generation of informed, active citizens—one bill at a time.