Fulton County, Georgia – The Department of Community Development in Fulton County has formally begun the process of selecting the next group of Youth Commissioners, extending an invitation to motivated high school students to apply for the 2025–26 program. Through Friday, May 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., the county is taking completed applications—along with a two-page essay—from youngsters entering grades nine through eleven.
By providing practical leadership experience, the Fulton County Youth Commission (FCYC) enables young people to advocate for causes that are important to their peers. Participants explore real-world issues that local youth face during the academic year, ranging from neighborhood safety to education and mental health. These student leaders learn how to effectively advocate for good change and acquire insight into how policy decisions impact day-to-day life through their service on FCYC.
“Our investments in the Youth Commission empower our young people to be leaders and become involved in the local government process,” said Stan Wilson, Director, Fulton County Community Development. “We must equip our young men and women with skills that encourage leadership and service.”
Following their selection, the 30 Youth Commissioners commit up to 20 hours per month to lobbying, service projects, and planning sessions, for a total of over 120 hours of involvement annually. Mentorship opportunities counterbalance this substantial time commitment, with local leaders and county employees assisting participants in creating networks, organizing events, and designing programs.
Commissioners do a variety of tasks. To address urgent issues in the community, they collaborate with non-profits, hold listening forums at schools, and plan neighborhood clean-ups. Additionally, they serve as liaisons, sharing knowledge from their generation with local authorities. By doing this, FCYC ensures that the opinions of young people are taken into consideration when the county makes decisions by bridging the gap between young citizens and legislators.
Applicants must attend a local accredited public, private, or charter school and reside in Fulton County in order to be eligible. Students who start ninth, tenth, or eleventh grade in the fall of 2025 are eligible. Each applicant contributes a two-page essay detailing their interest in and vision for youth advocacy in addition to the regular application form.
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Additional information, including application papers and program specifics, is available at fultoncountyga.gov/fcyc for prospective commissioners and their families. You can email Reginald Crossley, Youth Commission Coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions. Motivated students are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to develop as leaders and contribute to the future of Fulton County with applications due soon.
