Junior Council Program

The Junior Council Program was established by Council in 2023 to give students an opportunity to explore local government, engage with public officials, and build leadership skills through civic experience. Students observe the policymaking process, attend on average 1–2 Council meetings per month, take part in community outreach, and collaborate with Council and Township staff on public service efforts.

The program begins in mid-September. Candidates must be entering their junior or senior year at Penncrest High School.

Hear what last year’s Junior Council members have to say:

“Supporting issues you are interested in, meeting leaders and members of the community, and learning how local government works up close—these are all things you gain from being on the Junior Council, something I have had the privilege of experiencing over the past year. This means attending Council meetings twice a month and commission meetings that discuss initiatives that interest you, which you can research and help support as a Junior Council member, like I have been doing with the Environmental Commission. The position also teaches leadership and increases your awareness of challenges facing the community.”

Aditya Murthy

“Serving as a Junior Member of the Upper Providence Township Council is an opportunity that I strongly encourage other students to pursue. Members of Council and their invaluable associates were welcoming and eager to share their knowledge—they provided valuable insight into the workings of local government and ensured that the experience of Junior Members was a rewarding one.

During my time serving, I had the honor of attending the NAACP 100th Jubilee Event with members of Council, and through networking after meetings I earned an opportunity to speak at the first-ever DELCO Fashion Week and engage in volunteer work with different local organizations. Most of the work I did as a Junior Member was sparked in the meeting room but carried out in the community.

While I believe that community service is at the heart of our local government, my advice to incoming Junior Members is to make the most of your opportunity to work with Barry L. and members of Council to help our community behind the scenes—not just in the field with the connections you’ll make along the way. Thank you to Barry, ‘the Kims,’ and members of Council for a wonderful experience working with our local government.”

Rita Tonsa

Apply to our Junior Council Program.