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.
Program Criteria
Curriculum
- Open: March 1, 2025
- Close: April 15, 2025
- Cohort Notification: May 10, 2025
- Parent Information Session: May 28, 2025
- Program Dates: June 4 – July 23, 2025
- Graduation: July 23, 2025
Eligibility
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, or charter schools)
- Be a rising sophomore, junior or senior going into the academic year
- Submit a completed application and typed essay questions
Selection Process
To be considered as a candidate for the Gwinnett Youth Commission, students must meet all the requirements listed above. The class is limited to 33 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.
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.
Schedule
This summer program will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday from June 4 to July 23, 2025. A detailed schedule will be provided upon acceptance.
| 2025 GYC Sessions |
|---|
| Orientation and Program Overview |
| Introduction to County Government |
| Infrastructure/STEM |
| Public Safety Day — Police and Fire and Emergency Services |
| Criminal Justice Day — Corrections and Detention Center |
| Gwinnett Judicial Circuit |
| Health and Human Services, Civic Engagement, and Volunteerism |
| Recreation and Wrap-Up |
| Induction Ceremony |
Students may not miss more than one session. The orientation and graduation are required sessions. An informational meeting for parents will be held in May prior to the start of the 2025 cohort.
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.
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.
Gwinnett 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 |
| March | Gwinnett Youth Commission Capitol Visit |
Application
Interested candidates must complete an application, to which eligibility will be verified. Applications for the 2025 GYC summer cohort are now closed. Accepted Youth will be notified in May 2025. Please contact Civic Engagement and Social Impact with any questions.
Please note: Candidates will be selected by an independent selection committee. A submitted application does not guarantee your participation in the Gwinnett Youth Commission. All selected candidates will be notified.