By Oniska Blevins | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma Mayor’s Office is looking for eighth through 12th-grade students to be part of the Mayor’s Youth City Council.

Selma Mayor Darrio Melton said the program will be new to Selma but is done in other cities and that young people should participate in government regardless of age and that “their voices still matter.”

“They will be the next leaders of the community and of government,” Melton said.

Students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher can apply. Along with the GPA requirements, students have to submit a completed application, two letters of recommendation and a copy of their report card or progress report.

Tiffany Madison, the public relations officer for the city, said while the youth council will be under the guidance of advisors they will essentially be the ones making decisions and will operate similarly to the Selma City Council.

“Hopefully, we train them to be the next mayor, the next President, the next U.S. Senator. We’re really trying to groom them so they can become leaders,” Madison said.

There will be two meetings per month. Meeting times and a start date will be determined by the youth council.

With the guidance of their advisors and the mayor, the city youth council will be afforded the opportunities to make changes in the city.

“This is an opportunity for youth to understand and learn about their government and how things affect their community,” Madison said.

Applications can be picked up and returned to the Mayor’s office located at 222 Broad St. or emailed to mayoroffice@selma-al.gov. Deadline for the applications is Dec. 31.

For further information and/or questions, contact Madison at (334) 327-4980, Terrell Marshall at (334) 874-2338 or Ntokozo Pamacheche at (334) 874-2336.