Applications Open for the 2025 Gwinnett Youth Commission: A Unique Opportunity for Future Leaders

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The Gwinnett Youth Commission is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort, offering local students a chance to gain firsthand experience in government, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in their community. Applications are open from March 1 through April 15, 2025, with selected participants notified by May 10, 2025.

Launched in 2017, the Gwinnett Youth Commission is a summer-intensive program designed to educate high school students about local government, civic engagement, and community leadership. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with government leaders, take behind-the-scenes tours of county departments, and receive specialized leadership training. The program aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive meaningful change in Gwinnett County.

Program Overview

The 2025 Gwinnett Youth Commission will run from June 4 to July 23, with sessions held every Tuesday and Wednesday. Topics covered throughout the summer will include:

Introduction to County Government
Infrastructure and STEM
Public Safety (Police, Fire, and Emergency Services)
Criminal Justice (Corrections and Detention Center)
The Gwinnett Judicial Circuit
Health, Human Services, and Civic Engagement
Recreation and Community Volunteerism
Induction Ceremony

The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony on July 23, 2025. Youth Commissioners who successfully complete the program will have opportunities to attend special events, participate in field trips, and engage in community volunteer projects throughout the academic year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

Reside in Gwinnett County and attend a local school (public, private, charter, or homeschool)
Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in the 2025-2026 school year
Submit a completed application and essay responses
Demonstrate a strong commitment to civic engagement and leadership

The selection process is highly competitive, with only 33 students accepted per cycle. A committee will review all applications, ensuring a diverse representation of students from across the county.

Commitment & Expectations

Once accepted, students are required to attend all training sessions, with only one excused absence allowed. Orientation and the Induction Ceremony are mandatory. There is no cost to participate, but students must arrange their own transportation to and from training sessions. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during all sessions, and transportation for field trips will depart from the Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center.

Year-Round Engagement

Beyond the summer program, Youth Commissioners are encouraged to participate in various community events throughout the year, including:

Gwinnett Great Days of Service (October)
America Recycles Day (November)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade (January)
Capitol Visit (March)

How to Apply

Students interested in joining the 2025 Gwinnett Youth Commission must complete an application and submit it by April 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Selected applicants will be notified in early May.

For more information, visit GwinnettYouthCommission.com or email [email protected].

This is a rare opportunity for Gwinnett County youth to gain invaluable experience in government, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections with peers and community leaders. Apply today and take the first step toward shaping the future of Gwinnett County!