The Gwinnett Youth Commission is year-long program, including an eight-week summer program designed to educate youth about local government, engage youth in civic affairs, and provide an opportunity for youth to affect change in their community. Youth will get behind-the-scenes tours of Gwinnett County Government departments, interact with government leaders, and receive community leadership training designed to foster the next generation of leaders for Gwinnett County.

Students who participate in this program will:

• Interact with Gwinnett County Government leaders
• Speak on behalf of Gwinnett County youth
• Help local government better understand the issues facing Gwinnett youth
• Serve as youth ambassadors for the county
• Plan community events and participate in volunteer projects

Please be aware: Gwinnett County Community Outreach is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and GYC 2022 – 2023 dates are subject to change. Any changes will follow the recommendations of the CDC and Gwinnett County Government. We will communicate any updates in a timely manner.

There is no cost to participate in this program. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as well as transportation for field trips. Transportation to and from the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center before and after sessions, and to school-year meetings and events will not be provided.

To be considered for the program, youth must:

• Be a resident of Gwinnett County
• Attend a school in Gwinnett County (Gwinnett County Public Schools, Buford City Schools, private, home school, or charter schools)
• Be a rising freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior going into the academic year
• Submit a completed application and typed essay questions

This summer program will take place every Wednesday from 8:00am to 4:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

Gwinnett County Youth Commission Schedule

June 1	Orientation and Program Overview
June 8	Introduction to County Government
June 15	Infrastructure/STEM
June 22	Public Safety Day — Police and Fire and Emergency Services
June 29	Criminal Justice Day — Corrections, Detention Center
July 6	Gwinnett Judicial Circuit
July 13	Health and Human Services, Civic Engagement, and Volunteerism
July 20	Recreation and Wrap-Up
July 26	Induction Ceremony at 1:00pm

Students may not miss more than two sessions each program cycle. The orientation and graduation are required sessions. An informational meeting for parents will be held in May prior to the start of the 2022 — 2023 program year.

After successful completion of the program, youth academy graduates will be invited to participate in special events, field trips, and assist with planning and participating in community volunteer projects throughout Gwinnett County during the academic school year.

Monthly Meetings

Monthly meetings will be held at the Community Room at Rhodes Jordan Park on the second Saturday of each month. The meeting schedule is as follows:

• August 13
• September 10
• October 8
• November 12
• December 10
• January 14
• February 11
• March 11
• April 8
• May 13

 

Events

Youth Commissioners have several events they are highly encouraged to attend during the school year. Dates for these events will be communicated to youth commissioners at least one month in advance.

Youth Commission Events

October	Gwinnett Great Days of Service
November	America Recycles Days
December	Gwinnett Youth Commission Holiday Social
January	Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
February	Gwinnett Youth Legislative Breakfast
March	Gwinnett Youth Commission Capitol Visit
May	Gwinnett Youth Commission Spring Social

The class is limited to 30 participants each cycle. Selections will be made by an independent committee based on eligibility and the typed essay. Students selected for this program will represent a cross-section of Gwinnett County.

Interested candidates must complete an application, to which eligibility will be verified. The application deadline for the 2022 – 2023 cohort is Friday, April 29 at 10:00pm. Accepted Youth will be notified in early May.

Please contact Community Outreach Programs Coordinator Michael Rabalais at Michael.Rabalais@gwinnettcounty.com with any questions.

Please note: Candidates will be selected by an independent selection committee; therefore, a submitted application does not guarantee your participation in the Gwinnett Youth Commission. All selected candidates will be notified.

Go to Application