To apply
Join the Dane County Youth Governance Program!
Applications for 2025/2026 will be opening soon! Complete the interest form to be the first to know when they go live.
Youth Governance Program (YGP) Application Details:
Application Components: What you’ll need.
- Short-answer questions about objectives for participating in YGP.
- Written recommendation from an adult involved with the youth (e.g., teacher, guidance counselor, parent/caregiver/guardian, etc.)
Applicant Requirements: Check if this aligns with you!
- Dane County residents currently in grades 9-11 (who will be in grades 10-12 in fall of 2025).
- Ability to commit 6-8 hours per month for YGP responsibilities.
- Attendance at 2-3 weeknight meetings each month (virtually and in-person). Regular attendance is required.
- Most committee meetings start between 5:15 and 6:00pm, lasting approximately 1½ hrs.
- Involvement in sports or multiple extracurriculars may conflict with YGP commitment – contact Ely to discuss.
- Besides committee meetings, YGP meets as a group on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM.
- Strong interest in community engagement.
- Passionate about current issues facing Dane County.
- Eager to bring your voice and ideas to the table.
- High level of maturity.
- Good communication & self-expression skills (or willing to develop).
- Responsible, dependable, & self-motivated.
- Positive attitude.
- Interest in developing skills in leadership, professionalism, and working with adults.
- Transportation to/from committee meetings in Madison (bus passes available).
This program requires active participation from dedicated and responsible youth who are committed to the program. As a distinguished opportunity with a high level of interest, it’s important to approach this commitment with seriousness and dedication.
All Dane County youth are encouraged to apply.
Pre-Application Recommendations:
- Attend a committee meeting to see what it’s all about. Check Legistar for info.
- Watch a county board meeting online.
- Review different committees functions and descriptions.
- Learn more about YGP! (+ Review Program Description)
Selection Process:
- Initial applicant screening by Extension Dane County Educator.
- Brief interviews conducted by Extension Dane County Educator and County Board Supervisors.
- Approval of up to 12-18 YGP applicant finalists.
- Notification of acceptance in Summer 2025, with program orientation in the fall.
Induction into the Program:
- Official induction in fall with a formal Pinning Ceremony at a meeting of the Dane County Board of Supervisors.
- Start making a difference in your community on your assigned committees after the Pinning Ceremony.
Additional Information:
For a printer-friendly version of this information, download the 2024-2025 YGP Application Details.
Have questions?
Contact Ely, UW Extension Educator and Youth Government Program Manager, at moya.ely@danecounty.gov
Preview the 2024-2025 YGP Application questions.
