JONESBORO — In its regular meeting Monday, May 8, the Jonesboro City Council unanimously approved to establish a Youth City Government Program.
The program is for rising seventh- to 12th- graders to learn about and actively participate in local government.
The program is currently accepting applications and the deadline is May 19. Selections will be made the week of May 24 and a swearing-in is scheduled Monday, June 12.
Council member Alfred Dixon is leading the the Jonesboro Youth City Government initiative.
“We truly made history in Jonesboro today and our future of the city of Jonesboro will reflect this moment forever,” he said to his fellow council members after the program was approved.
The cost for the program is $5,300, which Dixon said he should be able to get through partnerships, donations and sponsorships.
At the May 8 meeting, he said he already had a $1,800 pledge from the Clayton County Schools Foundation.
“I appreciate the process for doing this, and I appreciate all the community input and thank you Councilman Dixon for your work in spearheading this,” Jonesboro Mayor Donya Sartor said.
Alfred Dixon said similar programs are in place in Stockbridge, Dublin, Savannah, Macon-Bibb, and other governments throughout the state.
“I’m sure that this will be a monumental thing for the city of Jonesboro and a great investment for our youth,” Alfred Dixon said during a May 1 Council work session.
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