Application: Young Legislators Program

We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 EJS Project Florida Young Legislators Program through The Office of State Representative Mike Caruso. 

EJS Project seeks bright, self-motivated, energetic high schoolers to serve as Young Legislator.

The Young Legislator program gives students the opportunity to learn the inner workings of state government and the legislative process. The Young Legislators members will meet on a regular basis to discuss issues important to their communities, share ideas on youth-related issues, and explore the possibilities of a career in public service. This program presents a hands-on opportunity to current and incoming high school seniors residing in the Palm Beach County area to learn about and experience the legislative process. 

This Free Program Offers Students:

• Leadership Development Training
• Community Service Opportunities
• Knowledge of the Legislative Process
• Interaction with Community Leaders
• Professional etiquette and attire
• Information about the issues affecting their communities.
• Skills for navigating the higher education system.
• Opportunities for careers in government and private industry.

Please apply if you are:

• A high school student who lives or attends school in the Palm Beach County
• Interested in learning about State and local government
• Motivated to make a positive difference in the community
• Willing to express your ideas
• Able to work as a team with others
• Ready to sharpen your leadership, presentation, speaking, facilitation, and decision-making skills

Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in EJS Project Program
• Attend 90% of the program sessions to receive a certificate of completion
• Volunteer for a minimum of two events
• Complete two essays and a final summary at the conclusion of the program
• Attend a city council meeting and a school board meeting
• High School Students with at least a 2.5 unweighted GPA or higher
• Complete two essays before the third session on 5/4/2021   

Essay #1:

Why I Want to Participate. Discuss why you want to participate in the EJS Young Legislators Program. What do you expect to gain from your participation? How will the program contribute to your larger goals or life experience?

Essay #2:

What is HB 3417? Discuss why HB 3417 is important to you and how it will impact your community.  What do you feel can be done to ensure that the state passes HB 3417? How will the bill contribute to your larger goals or life experience?

• Commit to weekly Tuesday meetings (beginning April 2021)
• Attend a mandatory orientation meeting (April 6th)

The 2021 EJS Young Legislators Program introduces the workings of government and strives to build a strong foundation for our youth who want to get involved in the leadership of their community.

Program Calendar

The program will be held on the following dates and participants must commit to attending all sessions. All sessions will be held from 4 pm – 5:30 pm except for the trip to the State Capitol. (Tallahassee)*

Florida Young Legislators Program (8-week program and 12 teens will participate)

All meeting sessions to be held at EJS Project Teen Center from 4:15 pm -5:30 pm unless otherwise stated. Participants must commit to attending all sessions.  This program will include a trip to the state Capital. (Date TBD)

• April 6th: Orientation
• April 20th: Introductions, Pre-test, Go over key terms and program rules. American Skin Attend Movies at EJS Facility.
• May 4th: (Dress the Part) Rob Long Measuring (Makindly) for suit Professional etiquette, presentation skills, professional dress discussion, etc. For this very important session, we want to familiarize students with how the government works.
• May 18th: Discussion on bills and laws (ex: gun legislation, restore felons’ right to vote, etc.) and focus on debating skills through the discussion. (working on scheduling a visit to the county courthouse)
• June 1st: (Christina Romelues) Meet with the commissioner and have a Q & A session before attending a portion of the City of Boynton Beach commission meeting.
• June 15th: Meet Delray Beach Commissioners at City Hall. Leave for the trip (TBD – All of the teens need to confirm dates that work for them.)

Wendy Link Palm Beach county supervisor of elections: Field trip to Riviera Beach – Nancy Chanin to reach out and coordinate

• June 29-July 2nd: Washington DC tour of the African American Museum or EJI Museum in Alabama. Meet to recap trip, prepare to make a presentation to the City Commission and CRA Board.
• July 13th: Wrap up with post-test and presentation of certificates of completion

For questions, please contact Marcus Darrisaw (305) 804-9173 marcus.darrisaw@ejsproject.org or Dupree Jackson (561) 600-1056 emanuel.jackson@ejsproject.org.