Students in Centerton now have a direct line into local government, thanks to the city’s new Youth Council. The program opens applications for high school students in grades 9 through 12 to learn how city decisions are made — and even have a say in them.
Honestly, it’s not every day you see a city government inviting teenagers into the room where budgets get hashed out and ordinances get voted on. But that’s exactly what Centerton is doing. The Youth Council will meet monthly with city officials, offering students a structured way to engage with local issues, from public safety to parks and recreation.
Look, this isn’t just a tour of City Hall. Students will be expected to come prepared, ask questions, and contribute ideas. The goal is to give young people a real understanding of how their city works — and how they can help shape it. It’s also a chance for the city to hear from a group that rarely gets a formal seat at the table: its teens.
The council will be advised by city staff and will report directly to the Centerton Board of Directors. Meetings are planned to start this fall, with topics ranging from infrastructure to community events. Students will also work on at least one community project over the course of the year, giving them hands-on experience in local problem-solving.
Centerton Mayor Charlie Doherty said the idea came from a desire to build stronger civic engagement early. “We want our young people to understand how their city works, and we want them to feel like they have a voice,” he said. “This is about preparing the next generation of leaders, right here in Centerton.”
The program is modeled after similar youth councils in other Arkansas cities, but with a focus on local issues that matter to Centerton residents. That means everything from traffic patterns near schools to how the city spends its recreation budget could be on the table.
Thomas Saccente, Centerton’s communications coordinator, said the city hopes to attract students with diverse interests — not just those planning to study political science or public administration. “We’re looking for kids who care about their community, whether that’s through sports, arts, technology, or just wanting to make things better,” Saccente said.
Applications are due by September 1 and can be found on the city’s website. Students are asked to submit a short application and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor. The city plans to select 10 to 15 members for the first council, with meetings likely beginning in October.
For a lot of students, this kind of access would mean traveling to a state capital or interning in a faraway city. But here in Centerton, it’s happening right at home. And honestly, that’s pretty exciting. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to leave Northwest Arkansas to get involved in meaningful work — or to start making a difference.
The Youth Council also fits into a broader trend in NWA of local governments investing in young people. From internships with the city of Bentonville to youth leadership programs in Fayetteville, there’s a growing recognition that involving students early pays off — for everyone.
In Centerton, where the population is growing fast and new families are moving in every month, having a group of informed, engaged young residents could be a huge asset. It’s not just about preparing students for future careers in public service. It’s about making sure the city’s next chapter includes the voices of those who live here now.
If you’re a student (or know one) who’s curious about how local government works, this is a rare chance to see it from the inside — and maybe even help guide it a bit, too.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
