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Cobb County youth present projects on after-school spaces, food access and stormwater solutions
Summary
Members of the Cobb County Youth Commission pitched projects including 'Cobb After Hours' to repurpose libraries and rec centers for after-school study, proposals to expand care pantries across the county, and a stormwater drain attachment to reduce debris and blockages.
A youth commission panel moderated by Moshe Ponce presented several community-focused projects intended to increase services for young people across Cobb County.
Kartikeya Shukla described "Cobb After Hours," an initiative to use existing libraries and recreation centers as staffed study and activity spaces after school. "What it was was to use the existing libraries and recreation centers to give students basically a space to go after school and work," he said, adding outreach to schools so students know what resources exist.
Anna Pope proposed expanding care pantries countywide to provide food and basic supplies to residents in need and encouraged coordinated donations to reduce waste. "It would be better... for there to be these COB care pantries all throughout the county," she said.
Summer Burrows Stebaugh and Phoebe Burrow Stiebel presented a design for an external attachment to storm drains intended to keep trash and leaf litter out without blocking flow; they said the device could reduce clean-up burdens and improve water quality.
Lady Ali and Masai Ali focused on youth engagement and alternatives to what they called "teen takeovers," suggesting more after-school programming, career workshops and structured outlets for youth energy.
Panelists requested greater visibility for county programs and promoted volunteerism and civic participation. The session closed with moderator remarks about bridging generational gaps and the importance of youth engagement in county planning.
