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 2023 – 2024 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.

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

Summer training sessions take place from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. Summer training dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, June 6*
• Wednesday, June 7
• Wednesday, June 14
• Wednesday, June 21
• Wednesday July 5
• Wednesday July 12
• Tuesday July 18
• Wednesday, July 19
• Wednesday, July 26*

Students must be present for the June 6 orientation session and July 26 induction ceremony and may only miss two summer training sessions to satisfactorily complete the summer sessions and be considered a Gwinnett Youth Commissioner.

After successful completion of the summer program, Youth Commissioners will be invited to participate in special events, field trips, and assist with community volunteer projects throughout Gwinnett County during the academic school year.

Monthly Meetings

The Gwinnett Youth Commission meets monthly from August to May. Dates and additional details about these meetings will be shared before the end of the summer training program.

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 as they become available.

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 2023 – 2024 cohort is Friday, April 7 at 10:00pm. Accepted Youth will be notified by 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.