CLARKSVILLE, IN (May 2, 2023) – It was just over a year ago that the Town Council approved a resolution creating the first-ever Clarksville Youth Council (YC). The Youth Council consists of eight high school students who are also residents of the Town of Clarksville. The included schools are Clarksville High School, Providence High School, Jeffersonville High School, and Silver Creek High School. During its first year, Youth Council members learned about municipal government operations, worked to bring important youth-related issues to the forefront, and used grant funding to help bring attention to the mental health needs of our youth.

The last meeting of the 2022-2023 Youth Council will be held next week, which means the application period is now open for students interested in representing their school. Interested applicants need only to fill out the Youth Council Application and submit it to their school’s Principal. The Principal of each school is tasked with appointing their school’s representatives. Council members are selected based on several factors such as school attendance, academic performance, and extracurricular activities.

“As important as it is for us to have the voice of our local youth, it is also important that we select students who will actively serve on the Youth Council,” said Ken Conklin, YC Advisor. “We need members that will engage in our meetings, get involved in the Town’s operations, and help us make a difference in the lives of local youth. We are not looking for students who just ‘show up’ for meetings.”

School Principals have been asked to submit their nominees by the end of May, so interested students should get their applications in as soon as possible. The 2023-2024 Youth Council will meet for one hour, once a month, but there will be other opportunities to get involved with the Town government operations. Positions are open to all students, Freshmen through Seniors, who will be attending one of the four participating schools. Nominees must also be residents of Clarksville.

“For students interested in getting involved in government, politics, or management one day, this is an amazing opportunity to learn and an excellent activity to include on a college resume.” said Conklin.