The city of Olathe, Kansas (pop. 106,000), and Olathe District Schools developed a comprehensive program of youth engagement and leadership development. In the Youth Court, youth serve in all positions--including jury, clerk, bailiff, attorney, and judge--working closely with professional mentors. Youth defendants, whose cases would otherwise be part of the county juvenile justice system, are encouraged to participate in the court officer roles following completion of their jury-assigned sanctions. A teen council coordinates youth programs and appropriates its own annual budget, with several of its decisions helping to implement the broader goals set by a representative youth congress. Through issue forums, a voter turnout initiative, a youth police academy, and other activities the youth manage themselves, the program has provided real local government experience to more than 1,000 Olathe youth.