The City of Bonita Springs Invests in Future Leaders
The City of Bonita Springs believes local government shares responsibility in education efforts.
It is a responsibility Bonita Springs takes serious. The City has been building relationships with
local schools through internships and other learning opportunities. We don’t just talk the talk,
we walk the walk in local education.
Internships
Internships are currently coordinated with University of Miami School of Law and Florida Gulf
Coast University for Public Relations and Events. After FGCU student Lyndsey Johannesen
wrapped up her two semester internship with the City of Bonita Springs, she landed a high
profile internship in Washington D.C. Johannesen worked with both special events and Bonita
T.V.
“My internship with the City helped me to understand the dynamics of a community and gave
me the opportunity to work with many different people. It also gave me the experience in
working with a wide range of government functions including event planning, public relations,
social media and Bonita T.V.” .” - Lyndsey Johannesen, Florida Gulf Coast University student.
Lyndsey was accepted for a summer internship through the Washington Center in D.C. Lyndsey
spent a month interning with the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility.
“That experience really helped me stand out from all of the other applicants applying for the
internship with the Washington Center. I really don’t think I would’ve been selected for my
summer internship if I hadn’t interned with the City of Bonita Springs first,” said Johannesen.
Government Day field trips
Fellow Councilman Dr. Stephen McIntosh, known for his advocacy of education, has set up
Government Day field trips with both Estero High School and Bonita Springs Middle School.
“Government Day allows students to discuss issues and come to decisions while sitting in the
Mayor and Councilmember chairs. It brings their schoolbooks to life. We’re building a
foundation for our City’s future leadership and instilling the importance of responsible citizen
involvement in government.”-Councilman McIntosh.
The city hosts several Government Days each year. Middle school and high school students get
to meet the Mayor or a Councilperson, tour City Hall, and participate in a mock City Council
meeting.
During the mock Council meeting students play all the roles, from Mayor to City Attorney. They
debate current issues, and vote just the way that City Council does. This type of hands-on
learning is not only fun, but teaches them so much.
On May 2, 2014 City Hall hosted Bonita Springs Charter Middle School for Government Day. We
were especially impressed with their participation, thoughtful responses and questions.
“We are investing in our future leaders,”-Carl Schwing City Manager.
Middle Students from the Charter School in Council Chambers for a mock Council meeting May 2, 2014