Gwinnett Youth Commission Accepting Applications For Summer 2021

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — Youth are invited to apply for a spot on the eight-week-long summer program for the Gwinnett Youth Commission. The youth commission gives teens a behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about Gwinnett County government. Due to the pandemic, the class will be limited to 15 people.

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

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 sophomore, junior or senior during the academic year
• Submit a completed application and typed essay questions

This summer program will take place every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course schedule is as follows, although dates are subject to change due to the pandemic:

Week 1 (June 2): Orientation and Program Overview

Week 2 (June 9): Introduction to County Government

Week 3 (June 16): Infrastructure/STEM

Week 4 (June 23): “Public Safety Day” Police and Fire and Emergency Services

Week 5 (June 30): Criminal Justice Day (Corrections, Detention Center)

Week 6 (July 7): Gwinnett Judicial Circuit

Week 7 (July 14): Health and Human Services, Civic Engagement and Volunteerism

Week 8 (July 21): Recreation and Wrap-Up

Graduation/Induction Ceremony: July 27 at 1 p.m.

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