Events
Essays due December 16th to be considered for the 2024 Student Government Day Program
What is the Purpose of the Student Government Program?
To provide our community’s youth the opportunity to learn the purpose and mechanics of county-level government, and be able to participate in a way to further their understanding of how local government works. Students who recognize and understand this will become more informed and involved citizens and voters.
Former President Richard Nixon wrote in his 1972 Proclamation: National Student Government Day, that student government organizations can “offer young people early and vital experience in exercising a voice in matters of common concern, reconciling diverse interests, and selecting leaders to express representative views. Equally important, active and responsible student governments can exert a constructive influence in shaping the on-going reform and self renewal of our educational communities.”
What is the Student Government Day Program Essay Contest?
The first part of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners Student Government Program is an Essay Contest. This is open to all students at public and private schools in grades 9th-12th. The essay topic for 2023/2024 is: Compare and contrast the three levels of government in Michigan – local, county and state. Which one is the most successful in affecting the quality of life for its citizens and why? The submission window is Monday, October 9, 2023 through Friday, December 16, 2023. No late entries will be accepted.
The essay criteria is as follows:
- Essay must pertain to the 2023/2024 essay topic: Compare and contrast the three levels of government in Michigan – local, county and state. Which one is the most successful in affecting the quality of life for its citizens and why? All essays must be submitted to the following form: https://macombgov.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2lCt1p49z8dT8Vg.
- Essay must be submitted by midnight on Friday December 16, 2023.
- Essays must be at least one page in length (single spaced), and no more than 3 pages in length (single spaced).
- Submissions must include: Student’s name, email, phone number, address, school, & teacher’s name.
Student Government Day – January 2024
The Commissioners will choose their favorite essays and invite those students to participate in a Student Government Day at the Macomb County Board of Commissioners office in downtown Mount Clemens in mid to late January 2024. Exact date and tentative schedule will be available by the essay deadline. This event may include some or all of the following: a tour of Commissioners’ offices and the Board Room, a mock meeting with Commissioners, presentations, discussion opportunities with elected officials, the opportunity to draft a mock proclamation and/or tribute, and more.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners Student Government Scholarship
The Macomb County Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman Don Brown, is excited to announce the continuation of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners Student Government Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to the top essay submitted, and will be awarded at Student Government Day in January 2024. The amount of this scholarship is $1,000.
Please contact Laura Murphy at laura.murphy@macombgov.org with any questions regarding this program.
