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It promotes competent and responsible participation in state and local government, and engages students in learning how to monitor and influence public policy through encouraging civic participation among students, their parents, and members of the community.

The program is co-sponsored by the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois State Board of Education, the secretary of state, the attorney general and the governor.

Volunteers say one can just feel the enthusiasm the students and teachers have for their projects.

“Often, the powers that be in their communities actually implement recommendations, so what started as a class project ends up as an exercise in grassroots politics,” said Mark S. Mathewson, ISBA director of publications. “It's hard to feel jaded about democracy after serving as a Project Citizen judge.”

ISBA assistant counsel Thomas S. Speedie added, “These students have a depth of understanding that is admirable, and their suggestions for addressing issues in their communities have been exceptionally well thought out.”