Gwinnett Youth Commission
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Gwinnett Youth Commission
About the Program
The Gwinnett Youth Commission, launched in 2017 is a program designed to educate youth about local government and provide an opportunity for youth to affect change in their community. Youth participants will get behind-the-scenes tours, interact with government leaders, and receive community leadership training designed to foster the next generation of leaders for Gwinnett County.
Curriculum
Students will receive seven weeks of training (seven sessions) over the summer that will involve instruction on Gwinnett government, team building and leadership development, and community project planning. Successful completion of the seven-week training is required for induction as a formal Gwinnett Youth Commissioner.
Eligibility
To be considered for the program, youth must:
- Be a Gwinnett County resident
- Attend a school in Gwinnett County (Gwinnett County Public Schools, Buford City Schools, Private, Charter, or Home Schools)
- Be in the ninth, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade for the 2024 – 2025 academic year.
- Submit a completed application with answers to essay questions
- Submit a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, principal, religious leader, or community leader who has known the applicant for at least one year.
Selection Process
To be considered as a candidate for the Gwinnett Youth Commission, students must meet all the requirements listed above. Selections will be made by an independent committee that will determine participants based on eligibility, strength of application, interaction at the informational session, and representation of a cross-section of Gwinnett Schools. Notifications of acceptance will go out at the end of April.
2024-2025 Schedule
The Gwinnett Youth Commission program begins with seven training sessions followed by an Induction ceremony. Training sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm. All sessions will begin with a continental breakfast.
Week 1 (June 5) | Orientation and Introduction to County Government |
Week 2 (June 12) | Infrastructure/STEM (Water & Transportation) |
Week 3 (June 19) | Public Safety Day Police & Fire |
Week 4 (June 26) | Criminal Justice Day (Corrections, Detention Center) |
Week 5 (July 10) | Gwinnett Judicial Circuit |
Week 6 (July 17) | Health and Human Services, Civic Engagement and Volunteerism |
Week 7 (July 24) | Recreation and Closing |
Induction Ceremony | Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00pm |
After induction, youth commissioners will participate in special events, field trips, and assist with planning and participating in community volunteer projects throughout Gwinnett County during the academic school year.
Attendance
Once accepted into the program, students may not miss more than one training session. The Orientation and Induction Ceremony are required sessions.
Cost
There is no cost to participate in this program; however, students must have transportation to the summer training sessions and community volunteer activities after induction. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at all sessions as well as transportation for field trips from the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center.
Application
Applications for the Gwinnett Youth Commission’s 2024-2025 term are open and will close Friday, April 5 by 5:00pm.
Please email Outreach@gwinnettcounty.com with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gwinnett Youth Commission?
The Gwinnett Youth Commission is a year-long leadership program for high-school aged students. The program is built on a foundation of personal and professional development, civic engagement, and public service.
Who is the Gwinnett Youth Commission for?
The Gwinnett Youth Commission is for any high-school aged student who wants to learn more about local government, serve their community, and invest in themselves as a future leader. The Gwinnett Youth Commission does not consider GPA or past leadership experience when assessing applications. All youth who feel that they will grow from the program are encouraged to apply.
What sort of activities are included in the program?
The Gwinnett Youth Commission consists of eight summer training sessions, monthly meetings, and various service projects. During summer training sessions youth receive leadership lessons on topics like communication, conflict resolution, and developing their own personal leadership style. In addition to leadership training, summer training sessions include visits to various Gwinnett County Government departments, where youth learn more about their role in supporting our vibrantly connected community. Tours include the Department of Transportation, Gwinnett County Police Department, Fire Department, and more.
During the school year youth commissioners meet monthly to continue their leadership development, educate themselves on issues currently affecting Gwinnett County, and serve as representatives of Gwinnett County’s youth.
How much does the Gwinnett Youth Commission cost?
There is no cost associated with the Gwinnett Youth Commission. Breakfast and lunch are provided at all summer training sessions, and meals are provided when possible during school year activities. Please note that Gwinnett County Government cannot provide transportation to and from Gwinnett Youth Commission meetings and each participant must have travel arrangements decided in advance of each session.
My child wasn’t accepted to the Gwinnett Youth Commission. Now what?
Youth who are not accepted to the program are encouraged to stay involved with Gwinnett County Government, and to apply again in the following year. Whether or not an applicant has applied in previous years is taken into consideration during the selection process. Through the year there are occasional opportunities for youth who are not a part of the Gwinnett Youth Commission to participate in activities. These will be communicated to all youth who apply for the program and were not accepted.
What will my child gain from the Gwinnett Youth Commission?
Gwinnett Youth Commissioners receive leadership training that will benefit them in high school, college, and their careers, in addition to knowledge of local government and civic affairs that will help them act as engaged citizens in the future. Youth Commissioners receive public speaking training as a part of the program and are given opportunities to present in front of government leaders and elected officials as representatives of Gwinnett’s Youth. Youth are also provided many opportunities to earn service hours as a part of the program. Youth who show continued investment in themselves and service to Gwinnett County may receive other opportunities or benefits, including letters of recommendation, speaking roles at County events, or leadership roles within the Gwinnett Youth Commission.
What time commitment is necessary for the program?
Youth are expected to miss no more than two summer training sessions, which last from 8:00am to 5:00pm. More than two absences may result in a participant’s inability to be fully inducted as a youth commissioner. School year meetings occur monthly, and last for around 90 minutes. While additional service projects within the school year are not considered mandatory, all youth commissioners are highly encouraged and expected to be in attendance.