Youth in Governance

YOUTH IN GOVERNANCE REPRESENTATIVES (2024-2025)

Executive Committee
J.J. Castro & Sriharsha Sitamraju
Finance & Administration Committee
Charlotte Sonday & Sasha Stronczek
Human Services Committee
Olivia Parrish & Aqsa Saad Qadri
Joint Services Board
Arianna Pealer & Juliannah Denure
Judiciary & Law Committee
Adelynn Lenz & Melanie Jarzembowski
Legislative Committee
Johnathan Klenke & Claire Koch
Planning, Development, & Extension Education Committee
Mackenzie Maurer & Juniper Kressin
Public Works & Facilities Committee
Jacob Wideman & Garner Williams
Alternates

BACKGROUND

Youth leadership development is critical in building civic capacity and long-term community sustainability in Kenosha County. Programs that teach useful skills and build the self-confidence of young people ensure capable, effective leaders for the next generation. Data from a 2006 Kenosha County Search Institute survey documented that only 23% of youth perceive that their community values youth and only 27% believe that youth are given useful roles in the community. These results were among the lowest of all the assets measured and were lower than similar assets measured at a national level.

In direct response to these survey results, the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors created the Kenosha County Youth In Governance (YIG) program in 2007. The purpose of the Youth In Governance program is to create a model of youth empowerment within Kenosha County, through direct participation in local government. The overall goal is to bring the youth voice to community issues and concerns while fostering the development of confident, independent, and motivated youth leaders.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Kenosha County Youth In Governance program consists of a maximum of 20 youth members. No more than two youth members will serve on a county board committee.  The requirements to be on the Youth In Governance are:

  • Youth entering the program must be a high school sophomore or junior.
  • Youth must have a grade point average of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
  • Youth must be a Kenosha County resident.
  • Youth must be able to attend monthly committee meetings and one county board meeting.
  • Youth should attempt to attend additional committee meetings that are combined with other committees.
  • Youth must be able to participate in the Youth In Governance Bus tour held on the last Wednesday in June.
  • Youth members will not be paid a stipend or mileage for attending meetings.

Youth who are nominated will be asked to fill out a short application. The application consists of basic contact information, school, GPA, and short answer questions about their intended objectives for the Youth In Governance program and how the program will increase their civic awareness and leadership skills. The application will include a written recommendation from an adult who has knowledge of the youth’s abilities. The Planning, Development & Extension Education Committee will then interview applicants and recommend youth members for appointment by the Kenosha County Board Chairman to serve on selected committees.

PARTICIPANT MATERIALS

RECRUITMENT MATERIALS

ANNUAL REPORT

University of Wisconsin-Madison      |        Explore Extension: Agriculture Community Development Families & Finances Health Natural Resources Youth
Support Extension