Gwinnett County Youth Commission 2017 Summer Term Application

Gwinnett County Government is looking for high school students to...

• 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

About the program: Gwinnett Youth Commission is 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. 

Cost: There is no cost to participate in this program. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as well as transportation for field trips.

Eligibility: To be considered for the program, youth must:

• Be a resident of Gwinnett County
• Attend a school in Gwinnett County
• Be in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2017-2018 academic year
• Submit a completed application and typed essay questions

*The class is limited to 30 participants each cycle.

Selection Criteria: 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. 

Schedule: This summer program will take place every Wednesday, starting June 7 through July 26, from 9:00am - 4:00pm. The course schedule is as follows:

• Week 1 (June 7): Orientation and program overview
• Week 2 (June 14): Introduction to county government 
• Week 3 (June 21): Infrastructure/STEM
• Week 4 (June 28): "Public Safety Day" Police and Fire and Emergency Services
• Week 5 (July 5): Criminal Justice Day (Corrections, Detention Center)
• Week 6 (July 12): Gwinnett Judicial Circuit
• Week 7 (July 19): Health and Human Services, Civic Engagement, and Volunteerism
• Week 8 (July 26): Recreation and Wrap Up
• Graduation: Tuesday; August 1, 2017 at 1:00pm

All classes will begin with a continental breakfast and opening at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. 

Students may not miss more than two sessions each program cycle. The Orientation and Graduation are required sessions.

Application Link: https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/boc/pdf/GYC_InteractiveApp.pdf