Applications are currently being accepted 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 allows youth to serve on a county committee while developing life skills and youth-adult partnerships, according to a press release from Dane County, and there are up to 12 spots available for youth to participate for the 2020-2021 school year.
“It is becoming increasingly more important for youth to engage in government – specifically local government” noted County Board Chair Analiese Eicher in a statement. “The County provides a wide variety of services that impact every resident – including youth. Understanding how the various departments and processes work lays a great foundation for the young adults of Dane County” she continued.
Students are paired with a County Board member and serve on either a committee of the County Board or on a board or commission, such as the Food Council or the Park Commission. Youth members have a non-binding advisory vote but are given the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected County Supervisors.
Since its inception in 2012, approximately 90 Dane County students have participated in the program, which is facilitated by the UW-Madison Extension Dane County office.
For more details about the Youth Governance Program, click here. Applications are due no later than March 6. The application form can be found here.
