In celebration of Women’s History Month and Civics for All Week, students at ReStart Academy’s Prospect Heights campus welcomed Sandra Escamilla-Davies, commissioner for the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Commissioner Escamilla-Davies shared her inspiring journey into city government and emphasized how civic engagement serves as a foundation for stronger communities.
Students also explored the summer youth employment program (SYEP), learning how the initiative operates through partnerships between DYCD and community-based organizations. To prepare for the visit, social studies teacher Jeffery Long led engaging lessons on city government throughout the week, helping students bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact.
A special thank you to Stacey Michael and the Afterschool Cricut Club for designing commemorative shirts to honor the visit and celebrate Women’s History Month.
