Do you have a high school student interested in leadership and civics?
The Prince William County Human Rights Commission is looking for high school students to serve on their Student Leadership Council.
Applications are being accepted through September 29 and sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in Prince William schools or homeschools are eligible.
On the council, students will learn about all levels of government, in terms of human rights enforcement, as well as handling workplace discrimination, according to a release.
“It’s important for them to know about their government, how to talk to their legislators, as well as learning about the opportunities and career paths in government,” stated Prince William County Human Rights Commission Executive Director Phyllis Aggrey, in reference to the importance of student involvement on the council.
More about the council, from a release:
The new student council will meet once a month, beginning in November, for five months each school year at the Kelly Leadership Center. During the five sessions, members will pick human rights issues that are of interest to them. The council members will work to put together a media campaign on the issue and present it to one another. They will also present to a subcommittee of the Human Rights Commission consisting of commission members and county human rights staff, Aggrey said.
During several of the sessions, the students will hear from speakers representing local, state and federal government to learn a bit about how government operates at all levels. The speakers, in conjunction with the project the students work on, will hopefully foster an interest in government service, Aggrey said. “It’s to help the students have more of a real-life experience of what they’re learning in civics and government classes.”
Tinbite Kelemwork, president of the Human Rights Student Leadership Council and a senior at Osbourn Park High School, said she believes the council offers high school students the opportunity to prepare for the advanced courses that lie ahead. “This is something that really gives you a foot up. If you love government, if you love history, if you love leadership, this is something that really gives you a chance to start off somewhere as a student before you go to college.”
To fill out and submit an application for the Human Rights Student Leadership Council, visit the Prince William County Human Rights Commission’s website. Questions about the student council can be directed to the Human Rights Office at 703-792-4680 or email pwhrc@pwcgov.org.
