The Dane County Youth Governance Program (YGP) is accepting applications for the 2025-26 cohort now through June 20. The YGP, established in 2012, is an annual program that encourages high school-aged students to engage in county government decision-making, provide a youth perspective for local projects and community issues, and gain the skills to be active leaders and professionals.Â
YGP participants have the same opportunities for committee participation and involvement as elected county supervisors, with the distinction that their vote is advisory and non-binding. Participants will work closely with Dane County Board Supervisors acting as mentors to help develop their skills in civic engagement. Additionally, participants meet regularly and work closely with other youth in the program on a project presentation to present to the county board at the end of the YGP term. Â
The program that applicants are currently in grades nine through 11 (10-12 in the fall), and are available to participate in at least 75% of in-person and virtual YGP meetings and complete six to eight hours of YGP work per month. Students interested in the program are recommended to attend committee meetings, watch county board meetings online and review the functions and descriptions of different committees.Â
For more information on application requirements, program structure and expectations, view the Dane County Youth Governance Program website.
