Fayette County Commission Chairman Steve Brown is inviting all rising sophomores and juniors in local high schools to apply for the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program.

Now in its 15th year, the award-winning Model Atlanta Regional Commission brings together 50 teens from all 10 counties in the region for six months of study, debate and hands-on activities regarding regional issues and challenges. It gives teens an opportunity to learn more about the community in which they live while honing their leadership skills.

“As Fayette County’s representative to the Atlanta Regional Commission, I want to see some of our Fayette students enhance their leadership skills in the MARC program,” said Brown. “This is an outstanding opportunity for our young adults to explore the real issues that affect our region and create possible ways resolve them.”

MARC participants learn about past, present and future regional issues from both community leaders and ARC experts.

A committee reviews the applications and selects the MARC members, considering a variety of factors, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, level of interest, a written essay and recommendations.

MARC includes six months of study, debate and hands-on activities regarding regional issues.

Chairman Brown is willing to write recommendations for qualified students.

For assistance on how to apply, please contact County Clerk Floyd Jones at [email protected]. Applications must be completed by April 1, 2013.