Irwin seeks student for junior council program

Irwin is seeking a high school or college students in the upcoming school year to serve as a junior council person who will have the opportunity to learn about the many facets of municipal government and possibly become a future leader of the borough.

The junior council person program will provide two Irwin residents the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in local government, public relations, communications, and community service by participating in council-related activities. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as college freshman, sophomores and juniors.

The high school students are eligible if they attend Norwin or a private school, said Katelind Sartori, borough assistant manager.

The deadline to apply for the program is July 25. An application is available on the junior council program tab on Irwin Borough website, irwinborough.org/.

“The junior council person program gives young people a real stake in their community. It’s not just about civic education — it’s about engagement, leadership, and belonging.

“In towns like Irwin, we often see young talent leave for bigger towns and cities. By involving students in local government, we’re helping them develop a purpose as local leaders and build stronger ties to Irwin, which is key to retaining our youth and fostering a more connected, civic-minded community. Our members (in the program) begin to view their hometown not just as a place they’re from, but as a place worth stewarding and building,” said Councilman Tyler Baum, who proposed the junior council person program. He serves as the chairman of the initiative, with Councilwoman Amanda Morrison also on the junior council person committee.

The junior council persons are expected to attend council meetings and events, shadow borough officials, tour the various government departments and meet with borough officials to get a better understanding of local government. The students host a junior council person committee meeting and make a report on their activities during each monthly council meeting, according to the borough website.

Three students have graduated from the program, which will be in its third year this fall, Baum said.

One of the slots for a junior council person program this upcoming school year will be filled by Preston Campbell, who participated in the program this past school year and will be returning for his senior year at Norwin, Baum said.