Macon-Bibb County’s Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. The immersive program teaches young people about government operations in our community and state. Students will attend a monthly session where they’ll take trips, meet local and state leaders and elected officials, and learn how to conduct themselves in a professional environment.

“GCAPS is a unique program that opens up a word to our students and gives them an experience unlike any other,” says Macon-Bibb County Community Affairs Executive Director Dr. Henry Ficklin. “Each year, I am so impressed by the group of students that come through our program and I’m really excited about this year.”

All Macon-Bibb 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students are eligible to apply, regardless of where they go to school. To apply, students need to fill out the application, answer a few questions about their experiences in school and their personal lives, and then have an interview with one of the program leaders. You can also fill out the online application here.

Applications are due September 11, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

GCAPS students also get the opportunity to apply for Mayor Lester Miller Academic Scholarships that are presented during the Mayor’s Sneaker Ball.

GCAPS is conducted by Macon-Bibb County under the auspices of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG),is a nonprofit instrumentality of Georgia’s county governments. Formed in 1914 with 19 charter county members, today ACCG serves as the consensus building, training, and legislative organization for all 159 county governments in the state.