DANE COUNTY YOUTH GOVERNANCE PROGRAM TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

May 17, 2024
Supervisor Chad Kemp, County Board Chair, (608) 512-0647
County Board

The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) will be accepting applications for the 2024/2025 cohort from Friday, May 17th until Friday, June 28th.

The YGP, established in 2012, is an annual program that encourages high school aged students to engage in county government decision-making, provide a youth perspective for local projects and community issues, and gain the skills necessary for a new generation of active leaders and professionals. YGP participants have the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected county supervisors, with the distinction that their vote is advisory and non-binding.

Accepted participants of the YGP will develop their skills in civic engagement through close work with their personal mentors, as well as regularly scheduled meetings to discuss projects and work closely with other youth in the program.  

Requirements for the program include the applicant currently being in grades 9-11 (10-12 in the fall), participation in at least 75% of in-person and virtual YGP meetings, and 6-8 hours of YGP work per month.

Supervisor Brenda Yang (District 19) said of the YGP, “The Youth Governance Program offers an excellent opportunity for young individuals to develop skills in teamwork, professionalism, and local government administration. It's thrilling to witness the next generation of leaders in action.”

Applicants will be notified about their application this summer, and accepted individuals will subsequently prepare for orientation and appointment to a Dane County Board committee for the September 2024 – May 2025 school year.

For more information on application requirements, program structure and expectations, view the Dane County Youth Governance Program website: https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/youthgovernanceprogram/