The future of Ohio is in session as Attorney General Dave Yost kicks off the new term for the Teen Ambassador Board, comprising 168 high-school juniors and seniors from across Buckeye State. These students, representing about half of the state's counties, are slated to see first-hand the inner workings of Ohio's legal and governmental operations. "It always astonishes me how our youth can bring fresh perspectives to the table, seeing things in ways we often overlook," Yost remarked in a statement obtained by the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Indeed, this diverse group of teens is on the fringe to shake things up.
According to the announcement from Yost’s office, the Teen Ambassador Board functions as a dynamic forum not just to learn but also to actively shape thoughts on the pressing issues of our times. During their year-long tenure, board members are expected to quickly gain insight through discussions with officials and interactive learning sessions. That’s not all; these teens will also work to comprehensively tackle teen-related challenges that touch the lives of their peers statewide.
The program kicks off with meet-and-greet sessions and presentations by key members of Yost's staff, setting a tone for the collaboration and exchange that will define the year ahead. It's all part of the Attorney General’s effort to weave youth voices into the fabric of state governance, reflecting a broader movement to ensure young people have a seat at the proverbial decision-making table.
Teen board members also get direct input into the Attorney General’s Office, potentially influencing policies and initiatives aimed at their demographic. Their contributions are pivotal, as they are meant to collaboratively develop solutions to critical issues facing Ohio. "Their insights keep us learning and challenge us to think differently about the issues facing our state," Yost acknowledged in remarks shared on the Ohio Attorney General's website.
