Teen Council

These next four years will be about the future of our city. For this reason President Pugh is soliciting the advisement of our youth as we prepare for this very future. President Pugh is assembling a team of involved, engaged, and concerned youth from the ages of 14-19 years old. These youth will be responsible for developing proposal, critiquing policies and planning events for the President of the Detroit City Council. If you know someone who may be interested, send an email to pressleyq@detroitmi.gov.

Objective

The Teen Council should engage and encourage Detroit youth to become informed, active, productive members of society through community involvement, mentorship, networking opportunities, and decision-making activities. Students will also report to the City Council either through memos or during “public comment” sessions about issues that are within the jurisdiction of City Council.

Eligibility

The Teen Council should be an assembly of 25 high school students between the ages of 14 and 19. These students must be Detroit residents. Students from any Metro Detroit public and private school are welcome to apply; however, there may only be two participants from each school. Students may only serve two non-consecutive terms, but must apply each term.

Requirements
  • Transcript- Minimum 2.0 GPA, 90% Attendance
  • Interview
  • Essay Questions with word limits (i.e. 100-200 word max). Choose 2.
  1. What can you contribute to the Teen Council?
  2. What problems do you see in your community and what are possible solutions to these problems?
  3. Describe your previous community service experience.
  4. Describe your previous leadership experience.
  5. Explain an obstacle that you have overcome and its impact on your life or values.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  1. Teacher
  2. Community Leader (pastor, coach, etc.)- Someone who can speak to the student’s passion, dedication, character, or community work.
  • Components
  1. Community Outreach and Empowerment
  2. Youth Involvement in Government Procedures
  3. Guest Speakers
  4. Mentorship (Teen Council members should set positive examples for other students. This can be through voluntary reading and homework programs with elementary and middle school students.)
  5. Recreation centers, schools, churches, and the “Street Team” will be assets in advertising the program.