[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6368330,"mediaKeyId","2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a","parentId",2157524,"title","Commission hears update on youth community center planning; staff say $75,000 set for initial studies","audioSeconds",202,"startMs",2963575,"endMs",3166565,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a&start=2963&end=3166","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a/thumbnail_2963575.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6368330/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commission-hears-update-on-youth-community-center-planning-staff-say-75000-set-for-initial-studies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368330-376ef44a2edd20fbba2c2fd0df1340ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999761&Signature=Ttcr4TZOGOf4WcGtgYDUZqH-0YHw4kRkk2~QQ~mrjJweQDwP1nNtUlxWoW-dhzSO7ahZjFQhaLrKfOo1ZOc-44h7p4c1L-dokO3eIIGU2MT0JCJlE4TtPws6SoUPoRRh8dcAikYkmJxzo2MaBBKDDlm2UbUKoUQVWbp7H9z2jNqxhHXWkRmXp5Sxw38CkSey2FiX-4APN30VFEpdIhT8ILxsvNeP~4Q2beHPRimCg67wg9mscjBFn8wbGlDTaGaU2LuHxTf4q~~plsp64XC42D3CDNS0BlQFglpqpmdRHFUSb2AtTU2bTTIuJBotY88pB2IOtI6GBj-IP9d3buB5Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-01-28T18:52:03Z","article","St. Mary’s County staff and Youth Advisory Commission members discussed plans for a county youth community center during the March 4 meeting as staff described the current budgetary and planning posture.

What was presented: Commission members were told the county has allocated $75,000 in the coming fiscal year to fund two studies: a location analysis for a possible community youth center in the southern part of the county and more general needs‑assessment work for other parts of the county. Officials explained the larger construction line previously shown in the Capital Improvement Plan (about $16,000,000) was removed from the immediate schedule and has been pushed from 2024 to 2025; that change was described as a timing adjustment by county decision‑makers.

Why it matters: Members asked that any planning group or consultant include youth representation. Several members expressed concern that a single center should be planned as a countywide resource rather than as a facility limited to one subarea; staff and adult participants said the county is discussing a phased approach that would start in one area and expand according to need and available funds. Staff also noted that facility design, access and transportation differ across the county and that a single design would not suit every subregion.

Follow‑up and requests: Commissioners asked that Recreation & Parks director Art Shepherd be invited to explain the process and that the commission be allowed to suggest youth members for any advisory group established to draft terms of reference for the site selection or feasibility work. Staff suggested March 11 (capital plan referral to the planning commission) as a near‑term forum for commissioners and advisory commissions to follow the CIP conversation.

Ending: Members were urged to continue outreach to peers across the county to build support and to return recommended youth representatives and questions to the next meeting. Staff said search/feasibility work was expected to start after July 1 with Recreation & Parks leading the effort.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","3/4/2019 Youth Advisory Commission","oneSentenceSummary","St. Mary’s County staff and Youth Advisory Commission members discussed plans for a county youth community center during the March 4 meeting as staff described the current budgetary and planning posture.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368341,"Youth advisory members press for clearer outreach on AP test cost and dual‑enrollment options",144,233300,377695,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a&start=233&end=377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a/thumbnail_233300.jpg","/articles/6368341/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Youth-advisory-members-press-for-clearer-outreach-on-AP-test-cost-and-dualenrollment-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368341-f5a12ff7f12c85961543907e3aa9ea51/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999761&Signature=QSK5J9kSIRQs3d6m8ippr0TmeQ6tVlweYAHkRs-Q3lGRyLqCbhg67nSRv2S6qA-0CNExN139-2593N1FJmcCx6LYtq5vLvK--jegoFksfz6ALcrrp-B3R5QvGzr7cEL-XOshTDrBgQFdlOnB87CFWGEGrtTji8iYXDpBoiEzcjYaXJRKKlYdhS1tJm4fYPiEBLQ0Bdax0Abdfu2U3kOx4dcoWqP~vqb08xU15UsKogVqa6XjeTcWtXP3K6kbweB5YsrKQzakeBn96MyaNG~d3ziIf0J52yL4HIb2a~DLRQO9WHu9lwzGnUYIAb1YqfDEhIRMhMZuxYETq-WAx-3fJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the St. Mary’s County Youth Advisory Commission used their March 4 meeting to press for clearer communication to students about paying for Advanced Placement exams and about dual‑enrollment options that provide college credit.

The commission’s discussion opened after members reported hearing that a state house bill under consideration would require counties to pay for AP exams and then seek state reimbursement; one member described it as, “AP tests are completely free next year,” while noting the measure had not yet passed. Joshua Guy, a commission member who said he contacted the school system, relayed that a Board of Education staffer told him families eligible for FARMS (Free and Reduced Meal Services) often can get funding to cover the test: “She mentioned … FARMS helps the students,” Guy said.

Why it matters: Members said uncertainty about exam costs is causing some students to opt out of AP courses or tests. Commission members and staff flagged two problems: (1) some students and families do not know FARMS can cover AP test fees, and (2) counselors and teachers may not be consistently telling eligible students about the option. That combination can function as a deterrent for students who might otherwise take advanced courses and pursue college credit.

At the meeting members discussed immediate outreach options. Marsha Greenberg, a staff member, advised the commission to pursue both peer outreach and system‑level fixes: “You as students could advise the superintendent … to ensure that the teachers of AP classes and therefore their students know what their options are,” Greenberg said. Members agreed it would be useful to notify AP teachers and school counselors directly and to consider broader public messaging (a webpage, blog, or short app notification) so students who do not follow meeting recordings can learn the options.

Commissioners also discussed dual‑enrollment and Access CSM (College of Southern Maryland) offerings. Members reported CSM’s access programs allow juniors and seniors to take college courses for credit either on the college campus or within their high school schedule; eligibility was described as typically tied to a minimum GPA (members said 2.5 was cited at a recent CSM presentation). A speaker at the meeting said Access CSM students who qualify through FARMS may pay nothing and that other students pay a subsidized per‑class fee (meeting remarks cited approximately $170 to the student after subsidy, though members also described that figure as illustrative from the admissions presentation).

What the commission will do next: Members asked to place discussion of outreach and a potential invitation to a CSM enrollment representative on the next agenda so the body can consider a short, accessible public notice and whether to invite a CSM official to present about Access CSM and dual‑enrollment. A commission member volunteered to attend advocacy events in Annapolis and report back on state developments.

Ending: Commissioners said they want both short‑term outreach (teachers/counselors notifications and social/web posts) and longer‑term clarity tied to any state legislation that would change who pays AP exam fees. The commission planned to continue the discussion at its May meeting and consider inviting a school‑system or CSM representative to present.","Members of the St. Mary’s County Youth Advisory Commission used their March 4 meeting to press for clearer communication to students about paying for Advanced Placement exams and about dual‑enrollment options that provide college credit.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368336,"Commission forms communications subcommittee, reviews brochure and outreach options",0,2239695,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a&start=2239&end=2239","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157524-b2a6b74f3a6a0cf7b035a9ba9d773a6a/thumbnail_2239695.jpg","/articles/6368336/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commission-forms-communications-subcommittee-reviews-brochure-and-outreach-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368336-84a7ab60d210322b1bcd387892fbf17a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775999761&Signature=UL387Mj1GSuxzgqpAdDOUrArtY5W~8rF0v8tJxhYAKOY-Kf7aeb7vHYh7g91AIQtLT6sDaL1Wh0Haqa8PzMMP7Wegt03jk4D4q5uP-ZU1t5rrd51CE1qLjDk5KsMfxC8lMKGEY-oCkKAhErFLVIJWDRUP1ZA9MRS3y3BnzO965X3qWXPq49fIf36rT21u3cYSuCpk-6~OvwYFm7kS1zXc0KyyaBR73-T7vA1mWDNH7pFPJpbisDaN3HW-Us-aBPWNfIM5nfnvvDBiRCxgce9yxvOpOfni3AuyIpn2E~Mf0DlzHywUs~k66mn-vrYQ9S4moYRMwWN20rMW0-15CuxPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Mary’s County Youth Advisory Commission voted on March 4 to establish a communications subcommittee charged with drafting outreach materials and coordinating online presence for the commission.

Why it matters: Commission members said the group’s work will be useful to get concise, accessible information to students who do not watch full meeting recordings. Members reviewed a draft trifold brochure produced by Shannon Baker and discussed options for wider distribution.

Key points from the meeting: The brochure overviewed who the commission is, what it does, goals and a “how to get involved” panel. Members suggested additions such as school mascots/affiliations to improve peer recognition and a link to the commission’s YouTube channel. Staff discouraged listing current member names on printed brochures because membership can change quickly; instead, staff recommended using a stable liaison contact and linking to a website or social feed that can be updated more frequently.

Legal and practical limits: Commissioners asked about social media and whether the commission could independently create pages. Staff said the commission should check with legal staff about parameters before launching accounts; the communications subcommittee will consult legal and report back. Marsha Greenberg and the liaison noted an existing app and announcement function used selectively for youth initiatives; that channel could carry short, targeted notices if the steering committee approves.

Subcommittee membership and next steps: The body created the communications subcommittee by voice vote and members volunteered during the meeting; the subcommittee’s tasks include drafting the outreach plan, checking legal parameters for social accounts, and proposing a short public notice about AP test funding and Access CSM options before test signups. The communications group was asked to report back at the commission’s next meeting.

Ending: Members said the brochure is a strong start and that a combination of digital (website, social icons) and school‑level outreach (electronic display boards, counselor notices) would reach more students than relying on meeting recordings alone.","The Youth Advisory Commission voted to create a communications subcommittee and reviewed a draft brochure. Members discussed outreach channels (webpage, app notifications, social media), legal parameters for official accounts, and appointing volunteers to the new subcommittee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears update on youth community center planning; staff say $75,000 set for initial studies

Youth advisory members press for clearer outreach on AP test cost and dual‑enrollment options

Commission forms communications subcommittee, reviews brochure and outreach options