In 2007, the Nevada Legislature created The Nevada Youth Legislature.
The nationally-recognized program gives high school students a hands-on opportunity to learn about state government.
Each session, one student is chosen from each of Nevada’s 21 senatorial districts to observe and participate in the shaping of policy in Carson City.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS:
Chintan Bhatt is from Foothill High School in Henderson. He said his goal for being in the youth legislature was an age-old one.
"Honestly, I just wanted to make a change. It's the old phrase over and over again 'I wanted to leave this place better than I found it' and I think this was the perfect platform for me to have that voice to make a change."
Emily Espinsoa from Edward C. Reed High School in Sparks said she's actually surprised by what she did know about the Legislature:
"This training program, being up here in Carson City for the last two days, I learned a lot of different terms and I learned that I actually knew more about politics than I expected... I wasn't expecting to know has much as I did, but I now understand how exactly it functions, which is pretty incredible"
One of the activities the students participate in is mock committees based on bills discussed in previous sessions. Josie Merritt from Round Mountain High School in Round Mountain said she found discussions that impact her age group the most interesting:
"The one that I found especially interesting... with concern to powdered alcohol and what the punishment should be and if you should call emergency services if something happens, like if someone passes out. And the other one would probably be bullying and how kids should be punished if they are bullying somebody, if they sharing videos of school fights."
Chintan Bhatt, Foothill High School; Emily Espinosa, Edward C. Reed High School, Josie Merritt, Round Mountain High School