City of Valdosta to be the next stop for Young Gamechangers program

Published 1:50 pm Wednesday, November 22, 2023

VALDOSTA — The Young Gamechangers program is accepting applications as it plans a trip to Valdosta.

“GeorgiaForward’s Young Gamechangers is a unique and proven leadership action program that gathers 45 of Georgia’s brightest young minds to develop creative and viable recommendations for one community,” GeorgiaForward said on its website.

Valdosta-Lowndes County will be the group’s host community for 2024. Since 2012, 10 cities across Georgia have hosted the program, most recently Columbus, where the Young Gamechangers presented their final recommendations last month.

“Host communities present the class with several of their most significant challenges and receive detailed and well-researched ‘big idea’ proposals with timelines, potential funding sources, and prospective partners,” the website said. “Class participants tackle real community and economic development issues with colleagues from across the state, building up civic engagement tools like collaboration, compromise, and negotiation.”

Participants must be between the ages of 25 and 40, according to the website. One-third will be chosen from the host community, one-third from the Atlanta metro area and one-third from greater Georgia.

“I am thrilled to welcome the Young Gamechangers program to Valdosta!” said Mayor Scott James Matheson. “This initiative embodies the spirit of innovation and community engagement that our city values. As mayor, I believe investing in the next generation of change-makers is crucial for the sustained success of Valdosta. I encourage our local young game changers to seize this incredible opportunity. Together, we can shape Valdosta’s brighter and more vibrant future.”

The Young Gamechangers program provides a platform for young change-makers to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and actively contribute to the city’s continued growth and prosperity, the city said in a press release.

“I am excited to witness the impact of the Young Gamechangers program in Valdosta,” said Sadie Krawczyk, managing director of Georgia Forward. “This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering leadership, innovation, and collaboration among our youth. The program not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to the overall vibrancy and success of our communities. I encourage young leaders in Valdosta to embrace this opportunity, as their involvement will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of our city.”

Interested people can apply now by visiting https://georgiaforward.org/apply/.