Applications for the 2025-2026 Montgomery County Mayor’s Emerging Leaders (MEL) Program are now open and will be accepted until May 19, 2025.

MEL is for local high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in learning how local government works through participation in committee meetings and activities. Meetings with students begin in August 2025 and end in January 2026. 

"This program allows students to engage with county government and gain a deeper understanding of what is happening in government at a local level. I really enjoy having the students join our committees and meetings. We actively encourage them to ask questions, and they often show a genuine curiosity about the topics we discuss. Their unique perspective brings up valuable insights that can benefit us,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

The MEL program provides high school students with a fundamental understanding of how different aspects of county government work. Students interested in the program select committees to engage with, and all students are encouraged to attend budget committee meetings.  

Applications for the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program are available on the Montgomery County Communications Department page or by emailing Valerie Linares at vjlinares@mcgtn.net.

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