Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2026

The City of Jackson Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) established in 2019/2020 provides our youth a communications link directly to the Mayor to learn about City policies, procedures and governmental workings. This council provides an opportunity to advise the Mayor on issues and concerns facing our youth today. The Mayor’s Youth Council will enable local officials to be more representative of the community as a whole and improve services that directly affect young people.

All Mayor Youth Council efforts are designed to engage our youth in civic and community initiatives that contribute to our thriving city. Students will have opportunities to develop their leadership skills through community engagement activities and to advocate for youth in community matters, thus increasing the likelihood they will continue their contribution to Jackson communities in their adult years.

The Mayor’s Youth Council is comprised of high school students, juniors and seniors, from each high school located within the city limits of Jackson, including public, private and home schools. Regularly scheduled meetings of the Mayor’s Youth Council are held the fourth Thursday of the month, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Meeting days and times are subject to change.

Each student who completes the MYC program, is eligible to receive a recommendation letter from the Mayor. See Section entitled, Student Participation, Attendance & Service Commitment.

Selection Criteria

• Must be a student entering their junior year of high school during the 2024-25 academic year (Graduating Class of 2026)

• Must reside in the corporate city limits of Jackson, TN

• Must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5

• Must have a passion for serving their community

• Must have the desire to learn about city government and be a leader among Jackson youth.

Student Participation, Attendance & Service Commitment

• Participation is essential for the Mayor’s Youth Council to meet the desired objectives.

• Attendance at regular MYC meetings is expected. If a member cannot attend due to sickness or for a duly authorized reason, the member shall notify the Community Relations Liaison through electronic communications. Failure to do so is an automatic unexcused absence.

• If a student has more than one unexcused absence, the student is disqualified from receiving a recommendation letter from the Mayor.

• Excused absences include, but not limited to, school functions, testing, extracurricular activities, illness, and family emergencies.

For more information, including qualifications, email [email protected] or call 731-425-8268.

Benefits of Joining the Mayor’s Youth Council:

• Learn how to work with young people.

• Build strong and lasting relationships.

• Develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence.

• Develop communications skills.

• Develop leadership skills.

• Develop organizational skills.

• One-on-one communications with the Mayor.

• Promote the work and programs of the Mayor’s administration.

• Contribute to making a difference in your community.

Downloading and Submitting Your Documents

In addition to your online application submission, documents that are needed include: Student Certification and Acknowledgement/Parental Consent; Two Letters of Recommendation; Official/Unofficial Copy of Transcript (or other school-issued verification of accumulative GPA).

• Select the "Class of 2026 Membership Information Packet" button below to download the membership packet (please read in its entirety).

• Page Three (pg. 3) of the Class of 2026 Membership Information Packet gives steps and information of all documents needed and how to submit.