(Lawrenceville, Ga., March 30, 2018) – The Gwinnett Youth Commission is beginning its second cycle and high schoolers from all parts of the county are encouraged to participate. The Gwinnett Youth Commission is an initiative to develop youth leaders to speak on behalf of their peers, help County government leaders better understand youth issues, plan community events and participate in volunteer projects.

The 2018 cycle will begin with an eight-week orientation of Gwinnett County Government. The curriculum will cover multiple facets of government, including infrastructure, health and human services, public safety, courts and recreation. Students will also receive leadership and personal development training.

Classes meet Wednesdays, June 6 through July 25 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.

At the conclusion of the orientation, students will participate in a graduation ceremony and be sworn-in as official youth commissioners. They will continue the cycle by participating in service projects, volunteer opportunities and field trips.

To be eligible for the commission, students must be a resident of Gwinnett County, be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at a Gwinnett high school and submit a completed application and a typed essay by April 30.

“There are many youth leadership programs around the county that mainly focus on specific municipalities or target specific schools,” said Gwinnett Community Outreach Program Director Nicole Hendrickson. “This program is inclusive of Gwinnett students attending any of our high schools and is intended to prepare future leaders for Gwinnett County as a whole.”

For more information, contact Nicole Hendrickson at nicole.hendrickson@gwinnettcounty.com or 770.822.8877, or visit the Gwinnett Youth Commission webpage.