Applications are being accepted for the Dane County Youth Governance Program (DCYGP), which provides area high school students with real-life experience working in local government.
Twelve slots are open for the 2017-2018 term of the program that allows youth to serve on a standing county committee while developing life skills and youth-adult partnerships.
Students should be nominated by a teacher or another adult and be Dane County residents in grades 9-12 in the fall of 2017. One-year terms run from June 1 through May 31, 2018.
Launched in 2012, the DCYGP was modeled after a similar effort in Kenosha County. To date over 60 Dane County students have participated in the program, which is facilitated by the University of Wisconsin Extension office in Madison.
“This program is a win-win for the County and for youths,” said Dane County Board Chair Sharon Corrigan. “By providing an opportunity for younger people to weigh in on County issues, we are investing in our community’s future.”
Students selected are paired with a County Board member and serve on regular committees for a one-year term. Youth members have a non-binding advisory vote but are given the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected County Supervisors.
Nominees should be consistently responsible, dependable, and self-motivated youth who have leadership potential or experience. They should also have the time capacity to commit to 2 or 3 meetings per month for a total of 8-10 hours.
The program is particularly suited to youth who are interested in business, government, or law –although students of any background are encouraged to apply. After nominations are made, Dane County UW-Extension will send information about the programs as well as applications to each nominee.
For more information on the Dane County Youth Governance Program, and for the nomination form, please visit the YGP website or contact Jess Guffey Calkins 608-224-3712.
