Secretary of State Brian Kemp has launched the Secretary of State’s Ambassador Program for high school students. The Ambassador Program is a leadership training program for high school students that encourages civic participation and voter registration. North Hall and Habersham Central are among the schools represented on the panel.
“As the father of two high school students, I know firsthand how important it is for young adults to participate in leadership activities so they will become invested citizens in their communities,” said Secretary Kemp. “This program is the first of its kind in Georgia, and will provide a unique and meaningful experience for participating students.”
The program’s launch includes 14 high schools from across the state with over 150 students serving as Ambassadors. This initial group will serve as a pilot program during the spring semester of 2016 with the program opening state-wide in the fall for the 2016-17 academic year.
Students who serve as Ambassadors promote civic engagement, voter registration, and volunteerism in their schools by speaking to classes and assemblies, hosting voter registration drives, and volunteering in their communities. The goal of these activities is to educate high school students about the government and show them how to become engaged through voter registration or volunteer opportunities.
The program prepares Ambassadors for this work by providing students with training materials and guidance for public speaking, working in a team environment, time management, problem solving, and professionalism. Students will have the opportunity to develop these skills as they participate in the program.
“In addition to the work these students will undertake as Ambassadors, it is my hope they will learn self-confidence and leadership abilities that will help them in their careers ahead. I am also excited about getting the next generation of Georgians engaged as voters at a young age,” said Kemp.
The inaugural class of Student Ambassadors represents the following Georgia schools: Baldwin High School, Carrollton High School, Eastside High School, Fannin County High School, George Walton Comprehensive High School, Habersham Central High School, Hebron Christian Academy, Luella High School, Mount Zion High School, North Hall High School, Parkview High School, Roswell High School, The King’s Academy, and Wilkinson County High School.
