GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Some of Gwinnett County's brightest youth are playing an integral part in the future of the county's government.
The Gwinnett County Youth Commission inducted 29 local students Tuesday.
"The Youth Commission is a program that is specifically designed to get high schools students excited about government," Gwinnett Community Outreach Program Director Nicole Hendrickson said.
The Gwinnett Youth Commission is an eight-week summer program designed to "engage youth in civic affairs and provide opportunities for youth to affect change in their community," according to Gwinnett County's website.
The newly-inducted youth commissioners will meet monthly where they will work on service project and operate as the youth arm of the Gwinnett County Commission. They will provide solutions and ideas to issues within the Gwinnett community.
"The Gwinnett County Youth Commission has been very eye-opening for me," youth commissioner Tyonna Byers said.
Byers is a rising senior at Berkmar High School and would like to attend the University of Georgia to study political science. She is an aspiring lawyer.
"In all honesty, I don't know what to say that could make it [the Youth Commission] be better," she said.
Throughout the eight-week program, the youth commissioners explored topics related to equity and social justice. These students were chosen through a rigorous application process that includes teacher recommendations and an essay.
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