Alachua County launched its inaugural Youth Academy on Monday at the Cuscowilla Nature and Retreat Center, a new initiative aimed at educating and empowering the next generation of civic leaders.
Modeled after the county’s widely praised Citizens Academy, the Youth Academy is a free, four-day summer program for students ages 11 to 14. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how local government operates.
The program is led by Shannon Hahn and includes participation from several county departments, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua County Library District, the Tax Collector’s Office, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and other local agencies.
“The Youth Academy is an investment in Alachua County’s future,” Hahn said. “It empowers young people with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to become active participants in their community and future leaders in local government.”
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