The Model New York City Council Project was developed in 2002 by the City University of New York and Council leaders. The Model Council Project provides a unique opportunity to develop and enhance leadership skills through experiential education for high school students. The Model Council Project brings over 50 CUNY/College Now Program participants from high schools throughout New York City into the Chamber of the New York City Council to debate and vote on public policies that concern all New York City residents. For many, the Model Council is an introduction to government and public affairs at the municipal level.

The Edward T. Rogowsky Internship Program in Government & Public Affairs develops an intensive training component and coordinates the Model Stated Meeting for CUNY. Prior to the Model Stated Meeting, the students are convened for a series of training seminars intended to prepare them for their roles as model Council members. In addition, students learn about the functions and processes of legislative democracy and the realities associated with policy making and representation in a diverse urban setting like New York City. They also acquire academic skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation. Below is a summary of the instructional topics covered during the weekly training seminars associated with the model Council project:

Through direct participation in the process of legislative decision-making, Model Council participants are given the chance to further their organizational, research and public speaking skills, as well as the opportunity to learn about the operations of New York City government from its practitioners. By working on a legislative agenda that they themselves develop in part, the students who participate in the Model City Council Project play a central role in their own pursuit of a public service education. Moreover, they are introduced to a “hands-on” approach to involvement in the political and policy processes that affect them, their families, and their communities.

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