Athens Mayor's Youth Commission

Youth Commissioners listen to Chief Floyd Johnson talk about driving safety
  1. Our Mission

The Athens Mayor's Youth Commission engages high school students in Athens in civic and volunteer endeavors. The program is coordinated through the Mayor's Office and utilizes mentors to educate students about the role of local government and their role to be engaged and informed citizens.

Through this program students participate in community service, attend City Council and Board of Education meetings, administer small grants in the community, operate a podcast, and visit area agencies, historic sites, and city departments to learn more about Athens and the importance of being an informed and involved citizen.

  1. Senior Buddies Program

We want to thank Martin & Hubbs for its $500 sponsorship of our Senior Buddy Program. The sponsorship funds materials for Youth Commissioners to provide cards, goody bags, snacks, etc. for their senior buddies at the Athens Activity Center.

Martin and Hubbs Insurance logo
Alondra visits with her senior buddy
  1. AMYC Podcast - "All in with Athens"
Listen to episodes created by students based on topics of their choice. We want to thank the Athens-Limestone Public Library for making this podcast possible. "All in with Athens" is available on Spotify, Apple, Podcast Addict, Player FM and Google Podcasts.
Two Youth Commissioners record a podcast
  1. AMYC Community Grant Program

The Youth Commission administers a grant program where the students provide funding ($100 to $750) to non-profits with a project that will benefit Athens. Various entities have supported this portion of the program including Dekko Foundation, WOW!, TVA/Athens Utilities CARES Funding and anonymous donors.

Thanks to a Dekko Foundation, Krebs Engineering and Samurai's Steak House, the Youth Commission awarded several community grants in 2023.

  1. Empowering students

“If we will get out of students’ way, they’ll amaze us with what they can accomplish,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “We give them support and opportunities to speak their minds, and then we stand back and see what they can do.”

Latest news

  1. Samantha Norton receives Youth Commission scholarship 2Jun23
  2. 100 Alabama Miles Release
  3. City entrusts students to invest in city 17May23
  4. Youth Commissioner creates Christmas card
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  1. How to Apply
Applications will open in August 2023
  1. Our Mentors
The mentors for 2022-2023
  • Mayor Ronnie Marks
  • Holly Hollman, City of Athens
  • Amy Golden, City of Athens
  • Chief Floyd Johnson, City of Athens
  • Councilwoman Dana Henry
  • Jerome Malone, small business owner
  • Sally Marks, Athens Rotary
  • John Webster, local entrepreneur
  • Michelle Williamson, Morell Engineering
  • Kim Glaze, City of Athens
  1. Student Testimonals

"After being a part of organizations like Athens Mayor's Youth Commission and Limestone LEAD, I would love to come back to this community to start my career and start a family. So thank y'all for showing us the importance of good leadership, especially as the next generation responsible for the future of Athens." - Audra Putman, former Youth Commission member

"I am happy you believed in me every step of the way. Thank you for showing me a woman can be anything she wants to be." - Kennedy Brown, former Youth Commission member

"Now I know that I can volunteer, become involved in city government and feel close to my community. Additionally, I became a firm believer that every person can make a difference. When we speak up, we are bettering our community. I believe community service ignites a spark in people." - Ava Whitmire, former Youth Commission member and scholarship recipient