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Statesboro highlights youth leadership programs after mayor cites past youth hardship
Summary
City leaders and young participants outlined multiple youth programs — Youth Connect, Youth Council, Village Builders and Youth Leadership Bullock — and credited them with job placements, mentoring and recognition from state organizations.
Statesboro officials and youth leaders described a suite of youth-centered programs that the city says provide leadership training, job placements and mentorship for young residents.
The programs matter because city presenters tied them to broader goals of lowering youth poverty and building local pathways to education and work. The mayor said these efforts follow a period of high youth need and framed youth-led programs as central to community renewal.
Mayor Jonathan McCullough said, “When I was elected mayor in 02/2018, 14474 of our county's youth were living in at risk situations, a staggering number that's more than any single organization can solve. But together, it became our greatest opportunity to build a stronger and more united Statesboro.” Tina, chair of the Statesboro Youth Commission, described four programs developed with the city nd community partners: Youth Connect, Youth Council, Village Builders, and Youth Leadership Bullock. Lasara, the city—hief youth program coordinator, said those programs focus on leadership skills and job training.
Young participants described concrete outcomes: Jamerson, identified as a member of Statesboro Youth Connect and junior mayor of the youth council, said the programs opened paid job placements and mentorship. Layla said Youth Connect placed her in a summer position at the Ogeechee Circuit Public Defender's Office for five summers. Mason said a municipal court placement inspired a career interest in civil law. Eden and Grace described gains in confidence and public speaking.
The presentation also noted recognition: presenters said Statesboro earned “the 2024 visionary cities recognition from Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Trend Magazine.” The segment did not record any formal city motions, funding approvals or ordinance changes during the presentation.
Speakers in this segment included Mayor Jonathan McCullough (Mayor), Tina (Chair, Statesboro Youth Commission), Lasara (Youth Program Coordinator), Jamerson (Junior Mayor, Youth Council), Layla (Youth Connect participant), Mason (Junior District Representative), Eden and Grace (Youth participants).
