High school students in Jonesboro will soon have a new way to contribute to their community by applying to serve on the City of Jonesboro, Youth Advancement Council announced today by Mayor Harold Copenhaver.
The Council will work to involve Jonesboro area youth in local government and community growth as well as advise the Mayor and City Council on matters from a youth perspective.
Copenhaver cited trips to Jonesboro schools in his first months in office, and seeing the remarkable projects taken on and completed by students, as inspiration for the advancement council.
“We have some amazing young minds right here in Jonesboro with the ability and drive to contribute to our community,” Copenhaver said. “I’ve seen playgrounds and art studios designed 100 percent by kids. I want them to play a legitimate role in building our future, and this council is a great way to engage and empower those young people.”
The Youth Advancement Council will comprise sophomores through seniors in Jonesboro. Interested students will apply online at Jonesboro.org, or at https://www.jonesboro.org/FormCenter/BoardCommission-Application-21/Mayors-Youth-Advancement-Council-Applica-138 beginning today. Students should prepare to submit letters of recommendation from educators and to summarize their own unique visions for improving Jonesboro. Copenhaver said applications will be accepted through May 1.
In addition to issue advisement, the youth council will conceive, plan and enact projects to improve Quality of Life, entertainment options, public safety and community engagement to make Jonesboro more attractive to young professionals.
“Attracting and retaining young talent is the key to building a bright future,” Copenhaver said. “We have to invest in these young minds now to keep them here when they are ready to begin their professional careers.”
City staff and junior advisors from Arkansas State University will oversee and sponsor the Youth Advancement Council, but Copenhaver stressed the Council will determine its own projects and missions.
The Council will regularly report project updates and plans to the Mayor’s office and the Jonesboro City Council.