Junior City Council

The Gulf Shores Junior City Council Program is a unique and empowering opportunity for high school students to learn about municipal government, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact in their community. This program is designed for students in grades 10-12 who are interested in public service, civic engagement, and the operations of city government.

Program Goals

• Educate students about the structure, functions, and responsibilities of city government.
• Provide hands-on experience in the democratic process and policy-making.
• Cultivate leadership skills, public speaking, and collaboration.
• Encourage active citizenship and community involvement.
• Foster a diverse group of young leaders who reflect the city's population.

Program Structure

The Junior City Council will consist of up to 15 student members who live within the corporate limits of Gulf Shores. The program will run from September to May, with monthly meetings and additional events as scheduled.

• Monthly Meetings: Student members will convene once a month on-campus to discuss current city issues, hear from guest speakers, and work on projects. Meetings will be moderated by city staff and follow a formal agenda.
• Commitment: Participants must attend at least one City Council Meeting each month (8 total). All mandatory training sessions, and actively contribute to their assigned community project.
• Community Project: The Junior City Council will organize and participate in one of the following with an overall objective of community betterment: community event, service project, or advocacy campaigns.
• Graduation and Transition: The program will conclude with recognition at a May City Council Meeting, where members will present their accomplishments. 

Program Requirements

• Age: Sophomores, juniors and seniors who reside within Gulf Shores corporate city limits.
• GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
• Application: Students must submit a completed application form, along with a transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a member of the local business community or faculty member. 
• Interview: Finalists will be selected for an interview with the program Junior City Council Advisory committee in September.
• Term: The program term is one school year (September to May). Students will have to reapply to serve on Junior City Council each school year. Past participation in the program does not guarantee placement on the council.
• Credit: Participants may be eligible for community service hours or leadership credit.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will consider the following factors when choosing participants:

• Demonstrated leadership potential or experience
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to community service and civic involvement
• Clear goals for what they want to achieve through the program
• Diversity of representation across different high schools and areas of the city

Application Timeline

• Application Period: Applications will be accepted in July 2025. 
• Interviews: Finalist will be asked to interview in person after the selection period.
• Selection Notification: Participants will be notified of their selection and asked to attend a city council meeting to be introduced.
• Orientation: A mandatory orientation session will be held in September for all selected participants.

Evaluation

The program's success will be evaluated through:

• Attendance and participation in meetings and events.
• Quality of committee projects and recommendations.
• Feedback from members, mentors, and city staff.
• Impact of initiatives implemented by the Junior City Council.

By providing a comprehensive, interactive experience in municipal government, the Junior City Council Program will inspire and equip the next generation of civic leaders. These students will gain invaluable skills, make a tangible difference in their community, and develop a lifelong commitment to active citizenship and public service.

Applications for the 2025-2026 Junior City Council are no longer being accepted. Interviews will be scDone Editingheduled for August 28.