Carbondale Reporter

In a May 11 Facebook post, Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Marion) encouraged girls in fifth through 12th grades to apply for the Illinois Council on Women and Girls' Illinois Girls Lead Program.

“The Illinois Council on Women and Girls invites girls in the state of Illinois who are in grades 5th through 12th to apply to join the Council’s Illinois Girls Lead Program,” he wrote. “Applications are due by May 31.”

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor, with the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, launched the Girls Lead program. According to a press release, the hope is that girls in grades 5-12 "will be inspired to see the possibilities of their future as they have meaningful interactions with the Lieutenant Governor and several members of the Illinois General Assembly who will take part in the program.

"The Girls Lead program is centered on imparting social and leadership skills—as well as emphasizing the importance of teamwork, conflict resolution, and building consensus in a progressive working environment, particularly in legislative or state government. It also intends to provide opportunities for career exploration and discussions around education pathways." 

The program is divided into the following ages and categories: 1. Fifth grade - A day with a member of The Illinois General Assembly; 2. Sixth to eighth grade - A day with a member of The Illinois General Assembly and reflection; 3. Ninth to 12th grade - Participate in policy research with a member of The Illinois General Assembly.

The application for the program is available here, and is due May 31.

"The Illinois' Girls Lead program provides our young women with an opportunity to experience first-hand the workings of state government and the value of public service," Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said in a release. "With this insight and knowledge, they will be able to envision themselves in leadership roles that will one day be at the forefront for positive change in Illinois."

In the Illinois Council on Women and Girls' 2022 annual report, the organization was described in this way by Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton: "The Illinois Council on Women and Girls is dedicated to addressing the barriers negatively impacting women, girls, and nonbinary people as we build the pathways for an equitable, brighter future. It is critical that we meet this moment, as we face the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic challenges, the trauma of gun violence in communities, and the dialing back of reproductive rights following the reversal of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. As chair of the Council, I am proud of our collective spirit and our determination to create positive change. The Illinois Council on Women and Girls continues to stand with communities affected by these issues while digging in to push forward on the development of initiatives. From the launch of the 'Know Your Rights' campaign to share resources and information for diverse groups statewide that could be impacted by genderbased violence, to planning efforts with the aim of curbing gun violence, the Council is focused on responding to promote a better quality of life in Illinois."

Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House in 2020. His legislative experience includes serving on the Tourism Committee and Higher Education. Jacobs resides in Pomona.