The DeLand Area School Government is a Public-Private Partnership sponsored by the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the School District of Volusia County, the City of DeLand and other Governmental Bodies, Academic Institutions and Area Businesses.
Mission
The mission of the DeLand Area School of Government is to provide relevant hands-on and comprehensive training to selected DeLand High School students who have expressed a strong interest in the study of government and political science. Students participating in this exciting 7-month course will gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each facet of municipal government; and explore the interrelationships between the municipal, county, state, federal, and judicial branches of government. The students will be encouraged to attend one City Commission meeting and one County Council meeting. In addition, a two-day trip for the students to Tallahassee is coordinated during the annual legislative session.
In contrast with a traditional high school course in government, students in this program will learn about public service from members of the governmental and business community. Through in-depth dialogue and instruction with government employees and elected officials, the DeLand Area School of Government will provide a creative, substantial, and structured curriculum. The program encourages future civic and/or governmental work and exposes students to various government career opportunities through informative "team approach" mentored learning.
Organization & Leadership
The DeLand Area School of Government is a public-private partnership sponsored by the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the School District of Volusia County and the City of DeLand. The DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce plays the primary leadership role in the schools overall curriculum and programming in consultation with the School District of Volusia County and the City of DeLand.
Curriculum Structure
The 5 all-day classes are held on Thursday's during the school year beginning in October. The class hours are from 8 am to 2 pm and students meet at a variety of locations, in many cases where it is most relevant to the subject being discussed. The Tallahassee trip is usually scheduled during the months of March or April, and a Mock City Commission meeting is held during an evening in the month of May - these dates are usually confirmed at the October session.
The culminating activity for the program is the Mock City Commission meeting where each student will role-play and consider real policy issues facing municipalities and the City of DeLand. Every student who fulfills the requirements of the course receives a certificate to commend and honor completion of the course from the DeLand Area of Commerce, the School District of Volusia County and the City of DeLand.
