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Springdale Youth Council

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1. Are there GPA requirements?

There are no GPA requirements; however, applicants must have a teacher or school administrator, vouch for the student’s commitment to the program, and help keep the student on track. 

2. Can my parents or guardians attend the meetings, too?

Yes, your parents or guardians can attend and observe the meetings. In the event the meeting takes place in a restricted area, such as the Police Department, or if they plan to join for a bus tour, we'll need to know in advance if parents or guardians are planning to attend so we can plan accordingly.

3. How are applications evaluated?

Applications will be submitted to school officials. School officials will then submit their nominees for admittance. The final decision will be made by the Mayor and the Youth Council Coordinator. 

Applications submitted after the Aug. 1 deadline will not be considered. The applicant will have to re-apply the following year, if applicable.

4. How do I apply for Youth Council?

The application period for youth council is May 1 through Aug. 1 each year.

The following items must be submitted by the Aug. 1 deadline for the applicant to be considered:

• Completed Application. You can complete and submit it online, or you can download and complete a PDF application.
• Parent or Guardian Statement of Permission. You have the option of uploading and submitting it with your completed online application, or submitting it with your completed PDF application (this document is included in the PDF application), or you/your parent/guardian can send it to the Mayor's Office separately). This form is also available in Spanish and Marshallese.
• Photography Release Form. You have the option of uploading and submitting it with your completed online application, or submitting it with your completed PDF application (this document is included in the PDF application), or you/your parent/guardian can send it to the Mayor's Office separately).

The application material can be found on our website here.

5. How do I coordinate job shadowing?

Each participant will select a City department to job shadow for at least four hours. Once you have determined where you would like to job shadow, you are responsible for contacting the proper the organization and coordinate the job shadow. The participant may choose multiple departments to shadow, but each session has a minimum requirement of one hour. 

You can visit our directory to find the contact information for each department.

6. How long does the program last?

The program runs from August through December. For exact dates, please check out the program guide.

7. How many students will be accepted into the program?

We accept up to 20 students per year.

8. How much does it cost to participate?

This program is free.

9. If I don't get in this time, can I reapply?

Yes. As long as you still meet the basic requirements, there is no limit to how many times you may apply.

10. What are the benefits of the program?

Through Youth Council, students will:

• Learn more about local government and our community
• Connect with their City and elected officials and advise local leaders on issues that matter to young people
• Serve the community and become a more conscientious resident
• Learn who to contact if they need assistance with a City service
• Understand how tax dollars are utilized to provide services for residents
• Learn the connection between public and private organizations

Most importantly, Youth Council members will play an active role in helping the City address issues that affect young people in our community. This program prepares young people to become community and civic leaders and gives them the confidence to know they can make a difference.

11. What are the graduation requirements for the program?

For detailed list of graduation requirements, please read the program bylaws. 

In summary, Youth Council members must complete all the requirements: 

• Group Presentation
• Community Service
• Individual Job Shadow
• Individual Program Evaluation

Additionally, members must have sufficient attendance at all scheduled meetings, and attend each of the following meetings/events at least one time throughout their tenure on Youth Council.

• City Council Meeting
• City Council Committee Meeting
• Planning Commission Meeting
  
  

12. What is the application deadline?

The application deadline each year is Aug. 1.

13. What is the time commitment for Youth Council?

This program does require a large time commitment. Youth Council will meet each month, and will require some after school and weekend commitment. 

Youth Council members must complete the following requirements: Group Presentation, Community Service, Individual Job Shadow, and Individual Program Evaluation.

Members must also attend each of the following meetings/events at least one time throughout their tenure on Youth Council.

• City Council Meeting
• City Council Committee Meeting
• Planning Commission Meeting
  

Due to the time commitment, it's important that before an completing an application, interested students should have a full understanding of the program requirements. Please read the bylaws and program guide prior to submitting an application.

14. When will I know if I've been admitted into the program?

Notification will go out by August 12 for students who are admitted into the program. Admitted students will have to confirm that they intend to participate in the program. If an admitted student does not confirm their intention, the offer will be revoked and another student will be selected in their place.

15. When will you start accepting applications?

We start accepting applications May 1.

16. Where do I find the bylaws?

You can find the bylaws here.

17. Where do I find the program guide?

You can find the program guide here.

18. Who can apply for Youth Council?

The Springdale Youth Council program is open to juniors, and seniors who live in the Springdale School District. This includes students in Springdale High School, Har-Ber High School, Shiloh Christian School, Don Tyson School of Innovation, and Haas Hall Academy. 

19. Will I be doing any public speaking?

Yes. There will be opportunities to speak in front the other members, and one essential duty of the Youth Council is to present to City Council.

20. Will I know in advance what dates Youth Council will be meeting?

The dates for the regular monthly meetings, event, presentation, and graduation are all set in advance. A full program guide with all meeting dates is available here. Youth  Council members can choose to meet outside of the scheduled meeting times. In that case, it's up to the members to coordinate the best time for the group to meet. Members will also be in charge of coordinating a time to complete job shadowing.