2022 Youth Leadership Program

Introduction: 

Fort Bend County Judge George invites Fort Bend County high school and college-age students to participate in his Youth Leadership Program. This 9-month, in-person program supports young people who are interested in local civic and social advocacy, seeking to form connections with peers from across the county, have an interest in community engagement, and desire to build leadership skills.

Students will be paired with mentors from a variety of fields including business, community, and county leaders from a variety of fields. Participants are expected to interact with their mentor on a wide variety of topics, including leadership, the environment, mental health, law enforcement, emergency response, economic development, recycling, healthcare, and more.

As the future leaders of our community, this program offers participants an opportunity to work collectively to identify community concerns and create plans and pathways for advocacy. From reforming policies, such as the use of force, to increasing youth voter registration and much more, this is the time to get involved.

Program Structure

Fifty students will be chosen from the applicant pool based on qualifications, experience, and an interest in advocacy. Students will then be arranged into groups based on their interests and experience. Mentors will be assigned to participants based on the identified area of interest. Previous mentors include college professors, elected officials, county officials, and civic and business leaders. The Program is divided into 3 purpose areas: Planning, Proposal, and Progress.

In addition to mentors, Group Facilitator will help teams accomplish their objectives, and develop a structure that allows for everyone's ideas to be heard while supporting participants' contributions.

Phase One: Planning

In addition to mentors, Group Facilitator will help teams accomplish their objectives, and develop a structure that allows for everyone's ideas to be heard while supporting participants' contributions.

The expectation is for students to work together to identify areas of interest and points of advocacy to target throughout the program. Students will plan their approach, and create a plan of action for Fort Bend County and
beyond. Additionally, students will perform data collection and collaborate with community partners to develop evidence-based practices to advocate for change. The weekly meetings will also feature guests speakers from across the county.

Phase Two: Proposals

Phase Two involves students developing a plan of action to advocate for innovative solutions in their area of advocacy. Students will then identify stakeholders who will add value to their advocacy outreach. During this phase, students will develop a proposal for advocacy that identifies the area of need, presents evidence of the need, identifies resources that can combat the need, outline the requested action, provides a possible solution, and details the potential impact of the solution.

Students’ work products will be presented to a board of stakeholders for evaluation and feedback This phase provides students with a platform and network of team members and mentors who can influence and cultivate change in their advocacy.

Phase Three: Progress

During Phase Three, students will modify e their action timelines, consider feedback from stakeholders, and submit an updated plan of advocacy. Rather than weekly meetings, students will convene with stakeholders and mentors monthly to discuss progress and share their findings with the group. Finally, students' work will conclude with a finalized official report to present during the promotion and conclusion of the leadership program.

Reports will detail the timeline, peers, mentors, stakeholders, initiatives, action, data, and future action. Select students will be nominated for county internships where they receive a special recommendation and access to a select list of opportunities. Students who successfully complete the program are invited to a recognition ceremony with Judge KP George where they receive their certificate of completion.

Throughout their leadership journey, students are supported by the County Judge’s Office with monthly newsletters, connections, and more.

Rules & Expectations

Fifty students will be hand-selected from hundreds of applications and are held to an exemplary standard. The Youth Leadership Program is a 9-month, in-person commitment. The first 3 months of the Youth Leadership Program include meetings held weekly on Tuesday from 6 pm -
7 pm. For the remainder of the program, meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 6 pm.- 7 pm.

Students are expected to communicate, equitably participate in all projects, attend all meetings, and conduct themselves professionally.

Students may be removed due to misconduct within or outside of the program, including inappropriate action on social media.

Participants are expected to attend all meetings. Any absences must be communicated to program facilitators. Failure to attend two meetings- unexcused, will lead to removal from the program and the slot will be passed on to the next viable student.

This program requires a time commitment, as meetings are already scheduled. If you cannot commit to this framework please refrain from applying.

Program Timeline & Important Dates:

Students will be notified of their acceptance or rejection by May 11, 2022. Accepted students must formally sign a commitment agreement by May 18, 2022. The introductory meeting will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Meeting dates will proceed as follows:
 

All meetings are held Tuesdays from 6-7:00 PM unless otherwise noted.

2022 Youth Leadership Program Application

Closed