WACO, TX — The Waco Youth Council, consisting of 21 Waco ISD students, is hoping to work with city members and figure out a way for the city and the students to work together in the future.
The youth council is under the Parks and Recreation Department. The Waco Youth Council has been around for 20 years, and Parks Director Jonathan Cook is excited for the students in the council this year.
"This is a cream of crop students, they are students that participate in everything - academic all stars and then also athletes and just kids that are really involved," Cook said.
The council focuses on many purposes throughout their time on the board, including defining specific ways to address community issues as they arise through the development of goals, encourage and promote youth education regarding city government and to assist and advise the mayor, city council and departments.
They also work towards conducting surveys, studies, forums, seminars and workshops and, most importantly, serve as youth ambassadors for the City of Waco.
The council works and runs how any other council would, and the program teaches students about local government. Superintendent Dr. Susan Kincannon says this council is so important for the students overall.
"They need to feel valued and they have important insights to offer about where they live and what they want to do and what the city can do to improve to meet their needs," Dr. Kincannon said.
The next meeting will be held Dec. 16 at 5:30 pm at Papa Rollo's in Waco. An item on Monday's agenda is discussing topics on how the district and the city can work together in the future. For their full agenda packet visit here.
