Teens in Charlotte County interested in civic involvement and learning about local government have a new opportunity this fall. Beginning August 5, the Charlotte County Commission will accept applications for the Fall 2025 Junior Commission program. This youth civic education initiative is open to high school juniors and seniors and offers firsthand experience with the functions and responsibilities of county government.
Running from September 9 to December 16, the program will offer participants an in-depth look at Charlotte County’s administrative operations. Selected high school students will engage directly with county commissioners, tour various county facilities, and attend several official meetings, including a commission meeting, a pre-agenda meeting, workshop sessions, and a code enforcement special magistrate hearing. The program concludes with a mock commission meeting, allowing students to simulate the decision-making process in local government, as outlined by Charlotte County.
Applications are open to students enrolled full-time in any Charlotte County high school or an accredited home school program. Interested students can obtain application forms and view the full program schedule online or at the commission office lobby. To ensure diverse representation from across the county, each county commissioner will participate in the selection of applicants for this hands-on experience in local government.
The application deadline is August 21, giving candidates time to prepare and submit their materials. Applications can be delivered in person to Executive Assistant Diane Whidden at the commission office, sent by email to [email protected], or mailed to 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.
