On September 1, 2015, Macon-Bibb County and local schools will welcome the second cohort of the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) at its Orientation Session on September 1, 2015 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Cox Capitol Theatre (382 Second Street). Thirty five sophomores, juniors, and seniors were selected from nine public and private schools after an application and interview process.

During the Orientation, students and their families will have a chance to meet each other, as well as local leaders and the organizers of the program. They will learn about leadership from the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government, before discussing the year’s schedule, expectations, and community service requirements. Following the Orientation, the student leaders will travel to Government Center to attend and be introduced at the Macon-Bibb County Commission Meeting, which begins at 6:00 p.m.

“GCAPS is an amazing opportunity for these students to get involved with their community at an early age, and it’s even better that they are going to see how we’re building a new consolidated government,” says Macon-Bibb Assistant County Manager Charles Coney. “We hope these students will take the leadership lessons back to their schools and, in the future, find a passion for improving the communities and cities in which they live.”

About Macon-Bibb GCAPS
This is the second year Macon-Bibb County has participated in the Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s (ACCG) Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS). (The former Bibb County participated for the two years prior to consolidation.) More than 60 students from Bibb County public and private schools applied for this year’s cohort, and 35 students were selected through a rigorous application and interview process to participate.

Students in this year’s cohort will see how government works, what’s changing through consolidation, and how they can be involved with and improve the community now and in the future. Throughout the course of the year, students will take part in team-building exercises, attend Commission meetings, tour county facilities, visit the State Capitol, attend the ACCG Conference in Savannah, and interact with local and state leaders.