The Burleigh County Commission this week gave its support to creating a Burleigh County Youth Commission in the fall of 2009.

The request was made by County Recorder Debbie Kroshus. She said the youth commission would be modeled after one formed in Cass County four years ago.

The Burleigh County Youth Commission would have two or three representatives from each high school within the county. The program is open to public and parochial schools.

Kroshus said she intends to meet with Burleigh County Superintendent of Schools Karen Kautzman and Paul Johnson, superintendent of the Bismarck Public School District, to work out the details.

Students would be picked by school principals through an application process.

Kroshus told county commissioners that the students would meet once a month during the school year.

"We would take them through each department to learn how county government works," Kroshus said.

Training sessions also would be implemented to help them develop leadership skills.

In the future, she envisions they will be able to observe the North Dakota Legislature when it's in session.

She said it would be an ideal opportunity for the county commissioners to share their own experiences with students.

Kroshus said some financial sponsorship will be sought from the business community and the commission.

"I think it's a great way to promote leadership," said Commissioner Doug Schonert, who witnessed some of the program's operations in Cass County with Human Relations Director Renae Gall and Kroshus.

The board approved a resolution of support and will budget for the program in August.

Kroshus said corporate sponsorship was strong in the Fargo area.

"We'll start working with the schools after the first of the year to get it started in the fall," Kroshus said.

"It's a way for kids to be involved in local government."

Commission Chair Jerry Woodcox said it was an excellent program.

(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@bismarcktribune.com.)