Applications are currently being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year for Dane County’s Youth Governance Program (YGP) – a program that provides area high school students with real-life experience working as a member of a county committee.
The program, for students who will be in grades 10-12 in fall of 2023, allows youth to serve on a county committee while developing life skills and youth-adult partnerships. YGP began in 2012, and since its inception, more than 125 Dane County students have participated in the program, according to a press release from Dane County. The program is facilitated by the UW-Madison Extension Dane County office.
“We cannot underscore how important it is for young people to become involved in local government. They are our future leaders and public servants. YGP is an incredible opportunity to experience the real-world decisions and discussions that take place in government,” said County Board Supervisor Brenda Yang (District 19), chair of the UW Extension Committee, in a statement.
Youth that participate in the program apply through an application process that is held each year. Following appointment, they are assigned to one of the County Board’s standing committees or other boards and commissions. They are able to participate in the committee meetings including providing an advisory vote on items.
The application to apply for the program as well as additional information can be found here.
