The Selma Times-Journal

The children are our future leaders. What they experience in their youth will shape the way they live their lives and impact the lives of others.

U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, has announced the inaugural 7th Congressional District Youth Leadership Summit to be held May 4-6 at Birmingham Southern College.

The 10th grade youth of Dallas County and District 7 will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges of elected officials and to obtain a greater understanding of the democratic process.

Due to spring break throughout the district, the deadline has been pushed back to Friday, April 6.

“Because I believe that one of the most valuable investments we can make in the future of our communities is through strengthening our young people, I am pleased to host this special leadership program,” Davis said in a press release.

Students will be housed in the dormitories at Birmingham Southern. All meals, lodging and materials are provided at no cost to participants.

Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, complete an application, submit a 300-word essay and two letters of recommendation.

The applicants must have been involved in a community service project.

Applications are available at the office of counselors or principals at participating schools or online at www.house.gov/arturdavis.

Participating youth will engage in team debates on issues facing our community and country and participate in role-playing exercises.

“The weekend will be an exercise in civic responsibility where students will develop a greater understanding of their role in government by participating in team debates on issues and exercises modeling the operations of Congress,” Davis said.

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance during the week of April 16.