ATLANTA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden today announced the selection of 51 Georgia high school students to serve on the Department’s inaugural Youth Empowerment Series.

The Youth Empowerment Series (YES), which will last through the 2016-2017 school year, will expose high school students to issues affecting vulnerable populations in their communities and encourage them to become involved in developing solutions and commit to the Department’s vision of stronger families for a stronger Georgia.

The Series will also help the Department garner input from young people on policies that affect vulnerable youth in Georgia.
More than 160 Georgia high school students applied to take part in the series. The 51 chosen represent communities from all four corners of the state and a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.

“The resounding response to the call for applications shows us that Georgia’s youth are eager to engage with the state and help us build stronger families for a stronger Georgia,” said Crittenden. “I am looking forward to bringing this group of community-minded students together to see what we can learn from each other.”

For more information on DHS YES and to view a list of participants, visit dhs.georgia.gov/youth-empowerment-series-yes.