Follow the Snellville Youth Commission on Instagram at syc_snellville.
Applications will be accepted late Spring 2025. More information on the requirements and interview process will be rolled out in February.
Submit applications and required recommendations to youthcommission@snellville.org.
Snellville Youth Commission Application
How will Snellville Youth Commission Ambassadors be selected?
Ambassadors will be selected through an application and interview process. The SYC Advisory Board will conduct the review and selection process, as well as an interview. Students will need to complete an application including two recommendations (one recommendation MUST be from a teacher) and one essay. Prior civic engagement and leadership experience are desirable, however they are not mandatory.
SYC - Snellville Youth Commission
The mission of the Snellville Youth Commission is to promote education in governmental affairs, engage the youth of the Snellville area in civic activities and build practical and effective leadership skills.
The Snellville Youth Commission is guided and mentored by the Snellville Youth Commission Advisory Board
Cristy Lenski - Snellville City Council, and SYC Founder
Natilee Brown-Van- City of Snellville Youth Coordinator
Esther Ndewa - City of Snellville Assistant Youth Coordinator
Kasi Bolden - Advisory Board Member
Richelle Brown - Advisory Board Member
Charlene Fletcher - Advisory Board Member
Marcus Huff - Advisory Board Member
Angela Mahdi - Advisory Board Member
Reggie Pease - Advisory Board Member
Lisa Porter - Advisory Board Member
Vicki M. - Advisory Board Member
Snellville Youth Commission Advisory Board Members
The mission of the Advisory Board is to provide curricular structure for the Snellville Youth Commission, cultivate student growth in civic leadership through mentorship and provide a launching pad for impactful youth engagement, supporting the execution of the Snellville Youth Commission initiatives.
What is Snellville Youth Civic Leadership?
The Snellville Youth Commission was established in 2016 to include Snellville's youth in civic activities. The program welcomes rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply. The selected ambassadors from South Gwinnett, Grayson, Brookwood and Shiloh high schools will engage in and develop their understanding of civic activities. This is an opportunity for students to foster understanding and engagement in the community. Not only will the ambassadors be able to enhance their civic knowledge, they will be able to gain unique experiences expanding their insight into the growing multi-generational and multicultural aspects of Snellville, city leadership and south Gwinnett County as a whole.
What is the Snellville Youth Commission?
This is an opportunity for students to foster understanding and engagement in the community. The Snellville Youth Commission welcomes rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to apply to gain unique experiences that will expand their insight into the growing multigenerational and multicultural aspects of Snellville, city leadership and south Gwinnett County as a whole. The selected ambassadors from South Gwinnett, Grayson, Shiloh and Brookwood high schools will increase their civic knowledge and develop their understanding by engaging in numerous civic activities.
What kinds of things will we do?
Students will meet monthly at City Hall to learn from and engage with various leaders in civic and community roles. They will work with their peers to discuss local issues. The SYC ambassador will be offered travel opportunities to visit different leadership organizations both locally, such as in Gwinnett and Chatham, as well as opportunities to discuss with other leaders who live abroad.
When are meetings?
Monthly meetings will be held on a designated Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The 2022-23 schedule is shared below. Saturdays are chosen to work around SAT and ACT testing schedules to avoid meeting conflicts. Please note that some of the dates take place during the summer. Membership in the Youth Commission is a comprehensive commitment. During the program year, some opportunities may require the student to obtain a means of transportation. Additionally, the students selected for the Snellville Youth Council will meet an additional period each month (meeting dates are to be determined), for more intensive discussions. The exact day for the additional meeting(s) will be determined by the Youth Council members.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Yes. As a Snellville Youth Commission ambassador, you are not allowed to miss more than two scheduled meetings. After two missed meetings you will be put on probation, and upon missing a third meeting, you will be removed from the program. If you know that you will not be able to meet the attendance requirement, please be considerate of other applicants and refrain from applying so that those who can meet this requirement can be fairly considered.
What does it cost?
There is no cost to the student ambassador to participate in the SYC. The City of Snellville and local businesses have partnered to cover program costs such as the guest speakers, ambassador packages and refreshments. There is no cost to the student ambassador to participate in SYC.
Additional benefits
SYC Ambassadors will receive a Civic Engagement Diploma Seal if they complete 50 hours of community engagement. The seal will be added to their diploma.
What if I have some additional questions?
Feel free to email Natilee Brown-Van, Youth Coordinator at youthcommission@snellville.org or Esther Ndewa at estherndewa@gmail.com.