DELAWARE COUNTY, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — High school students in Delaware County have a chance to step into the shoes of elected officials, and the deadline is quickly approaching.
Through the Junior County Council program, teens will get hands-on experience learning about government and engaging with public officials.
“Their job is to figure out what’s impacting the youth in our community and then go and talk to them and bring that data and that information back to the council so we have it as we’re making policy decisions,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor.
The program launched in 2024, which Taylor said was an overwhelming success.
“It was really a way for us to get some insight from the younger people in our community and what is impacting them, and a way for them to be able to communicate with others about what is impacting them in the county,” she said.
Students selected for the 2025-2026 Junior County Council will observe the policymaking process, attend bi-monthly Council meetings, take part in community outreach initiatives, and collaborate with County leaders on public service efforts.
Dr. Taylor said it also proved very beneficial for the high schoolers to get a real-world civics lesson.
“They were able to learn a lot about government while also being able to poll their peers,” she explained.
Delaware County will select two to six students to join the program for the upcoming school year. To be eligible, students must be enrolled as upcoming juniors or seniors at a public or private high school in Delaware County.
The deadline for applications is July 18th.