Background
The Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) was developed by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) staff and county officials from through out the state to address the need for increased civic involvement and awareness among our state’s youth.
This program will be a valuable tool for educating Georgia’s teens on the importance of an active and informed civic life, through vocation and volunteerism. Though there are a number of organizations in the state and nation that aim to educate young people on civics and leadership, ACCG feels that addressing civic education needs at the county level is the most effective way to ensure that all Georgians are impacted.
Objectives and Goals
The objectives and goals of GCAPS are simple, yet thorough. The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn first hand the roles and services that local governments fulfill and offer to all citizens in Georgia. By participating in government activities, such as County Commissioner meetings and courthouse tours, students gain the knowledge they need to create an extensive foundation that they can then draw upon to educate their peers. Youth are able to serve as leaders and liaisons within their communities, while becoming engaged and informed citizens. In addition to leadership training and learning activities, student delegates create and implement civic awareness projects throughout the school year for their fellow peers.
Program Details
GCAPS is a flexible program that can be implemented county by county according to needs. The program begins with an Advisory Committee made up of community leaders that is directed by a Program Manager. This group is responsible for determining how to set up GCAPS in the county, including making decisions about the selection process. Once the infrastructure has been decided upon, many of the choices are left up to the student delegates.
Though we expect great growth in the future with GCAPS throughout the state, ACCG will focus primarily on our pilot areas. However, as progress is made in the pilot areas, new counties will be considered for GCAPS expansion. |
