In a move to foster civic engagement among the youth of Milwaukee County, County Executive David Crowley and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson are rallying high school students to step into a role of influence. They recently held a press conference at Tiefenthaler Park, where they urged eligible students to apply for the 2026 term of the Milwaukee County Youth Commission, an entity designed to integrate the perspectives of young citizens into the local governance process.
According to a release on the Milwaukee County's official government website, Crowley stated, "The Milwaukee County Youth Commission gives our young people a platform to turn their passion into policy and be part of shaping the decisions that impact their neighborhoods, their communities, and their lives." He pointed out the importance of youths driving the change they want to see. His sentiment aligns with a wider push in various sectors to include younger voices in the conversations that affect their futures.
Adding to Crowley's call to action, Chairwoman Nicholson, harnessing her experience as a former Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, emphasized the value of youthful insight. "Young people have the vision, enthusiasm, and leadership our communities need and the Milwaukee County Youth Commission gives them a real seat at the table," she said on Milwaukee County. This initiative, revived by a unanimous County Board resolution in 2022, syncs with Milwaukee County's mission to achieve racial equity by offering a means for adolescents to offer advisory recommendations on policy and budget matters.
Prospective commissioners face November 14 as the deadline for Districts 1, 6, and 16, among others; but those hailing from Districts 14 and 17 have until August 1 to submit their applications. A continuous acceptance of applications is planned throughout the year, keeping the doors open for interested parties. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be between the ages of 14-18 as of January 1, reside in Milwaukee County, and be actively attending high school.
Applications and additional information on the Youth Commission are accessible online via Milwaukee County's website.
