Your voice. Your community. Your next step.
Junior Council Person Program
Have an idea for New Bethlehem? Want to understand how a community works? The Junior Council Person program gives high school students a chance to learn alongside Borough leaders and bring a student perspective to local government.
Learn, contribute and grow
Learn
See decisions take shape
Discover how meetings, budgets, public services and community priorities connect.
Contribute
Bring a fresh perspective
Listen, ask thoughtful questions and share ideas about the place you call home.
Grow
Build skills for what comes next
Practice communication, teamwork and civic leadership with support from experienced community members.
What participation looks like
New Bethlehem established its program under Resolution 2018-1. The local guidelines invite Borough-resident high school students to take part in Council’s work in a nonvoting role. Participants attend meetings, follow Council rules and take the Junior Council Person pledge. The role is unpaid and does not include executive sessions.
Before applying, contact the Borough to confirm current openings, expectations and meeting arrangements. You do not need to have your whole future figured out to start asking questions about your community.
Take the first step
How to get involved
- Explore the role. Read the local application and think about what interests you in New Bethlehem.
- Introduce yourself. Prepare your application and a letter explaining why you would like to participate.
- Connect with Council. Ask the Borough office how to submit your materials and what to expect from the interview and selection process.
Program documents and statewide resources
Program documents and resources
- New Bethlehem Resolution 2018-1 (PDF)
- Junior Council Person pledge (PDF)
- Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs JCP program
The statewide program offers background and resources; the Borough office can confirm the local application process and current arrangements.