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Program Content Development

Governments Engaging Youth (GEY) programs offer an opportunity to teach youth civic and 21st century skills and competencies. It also helps youth gain real life experiences to practice those skills and to understand local government first-hand through speakers, field trips and internships or job shadows. Here you will find different examples of program curriculum related to how government operates, developing soft skills, and preparing students to develop advocacy projects, as well as resources to help you with work-based learning experiences to make the most out of your program for youth.

What do we want youth to know? 
Program Calendars 
Program Developed Curriculum & Additional Resources (Intern Resources, Orientation Materials, etc.) 
SETA's Internship Guidebook: An Employers Guide to Building a Quality InternshipProgram Guide & Curriculum Example: City of SacramentoAdvocacy Project Instruction Example: City of Sacramento
  • Sacramento Employment & Training Agency created a guidebook for internships. See “How to Create a Youth-Friendly Workplace: An Employers Guide to Building a Quality Internship” and “Your progress in applying youth development / Internships: Tips and Tools.”
  • See the Institute for Local Government’s collection of orientation materials for introducing new audiences to local government.
  • PRO-Youth developed this great deck of slides to provote thinking, teamwork and communication.
  • Skill-Building-Activities and Questions
  • The International City/County Management Association has a few resources to help students learn more about democracy in action at the local level. They also provide youth with some guidance about careers in professional local government management. See ICMA – Life, Well Run. See this tip-sheet on Forms of Local Government (ICMA).
  • The Institute for Local Government has a section of its website devoted to the responsibilities and powers of local agencies. Topics include the authorities and limitations of local agencies, sources of law and descriptions of individual agency functions as defined by statutes and charters. See ILG’s Local Government Basics: Responsibilities and Powers of Local Government Agencies.
  • Sacramento County Office of Education’s Action Civics program has several materials available to “seamlessly combine civics content, CCSS literacy standards, and 21st Century skills by engaging students in an investigative process around a problem, issue, or challenge identified by students.”
Forms of Local Government (ICMA)Planning Outline (Action Civics)Process Guide (Action Civics)Civics Action Card Sort (CA Democracy School)Civic Definition Cards (Action Civics)Project Based Learning Checklist (Action Civics)Questions to Action (Action Civics)Who Would You Call? (Action Civics)Service v Advocacy (Action Civics)Why care about my community? Exercise for Youth
Advocacy Curriculum Resources 
Soft Skills Curriculum Resources 
Work-Based Learning Resources 

Our GEY program is fortunate to have NAF (formerly the National Academy Foundation) participating in our Advisory and Technical Team. Included here are resources and best practices related to work-based learning.

Work-Based Learning Plan Template with sections to develop Student Learning Outcomes, Courses, WBL Activities by Grade Level, and Evidence.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an instructional strategy that:

  • Connects what students are learning in class to the world of work
  • Involves interaction with partners
  • Provides students a continuum of experiences
  • Aligns with intentional student learning outcomes 
  • Prepares students for success in post-secondary education and careers
  • Benefits the student, the partner, the teacher, and the school

Resources for Work-Based Learning Best Practices from NAF and Partners

CRANE Work-Based Learning ContinuumBenefits of Work-Based Learning (NAF)Career Ambassador Guide (Sacramento Municpal Utility District)

Job shadow/internship Guidelines & Materials

    Supervisor/Student Intern Pre-Evaluation ExampleJob Shadow Handbook Example (Elk Grove)Department Interview Guide ExampleGuest Speaker Information (NAF)Job Shadow Overview (NAF)
    Sample Internship Projects 
    Digital Badging 

    Our GEY efforts are supported by the Linked Learning Alliance and their participation in our Advisory Committee. Their expertise in digital badging is shared in the content provided here and in the resource:

    Digital Badging: An Introduction and Guide to Getting Started

    Digital badges offer a visual way to showcase specific skills and accomplishments. At times it may be able to better provide unique context and background about an individual than traditional transcripts or certificates. Also referred to as online badges, digital badges often represent a more detailed picture than a CV or resumé as they can be presented in ever-changing combinations, creating a constantly evolving picture of a person’s lifelong learning. Click here for a video introduction to digital badging.

    Here are some examples of what a digital badge can represent:

    • Learning (an institution someone attends or an online learning experience)
    • Work (past internships or jobs)
    • Program or club participation (volunteer, leadership)
    • Accomplishment (won a competition or received an award)
    • Skill (leadership, problem-solving, empathy)
    • Digital Badging Webinar: Why it Matters and How to Get Started
      West Sacramento Summer STEPS Program & Digital Badging Component
      Program Attendance, Dress, Policy Handbook for Youth 
      Program Policies Handbook Example: City of SacramentoStudent Intern Standards (Oakland)
      • See this video from the City of Vacaville about dressing for success: 
      Graduation Ceremonies