WEIRTON — The City of Weirton is launching a pilot program with the aim of getting area youth more involved in the community.

Weirton Council, Monday, approved a resolution establishing a Weirton Youth Council for the city, to last through the 2025-2026 school year.

“The Youth Council will serve as an advisory council,” noted Ward 5 Councilwoman Brittany Holloway, who sponsored the resolution.

The program will be open to students in seventh through ninth grades who reside within the Weirton city limits, whether they attend public or private schools, or are enrolled in homeschool programs. Participating students must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average, attend regularly scheduled meetings, and assist in community projects.

“Our hope is to bring them in so they have a seat at the table,” Holloway said, explaining the program will provide an opportunity for participating students to learn about government directly from those involved, while offering thoughts of their own on ways to improve the community.

Holloway will serve as an advisor to the program, as will Sgt. Brandon Palmeri of the Weirton Police Department. The focus on students in the seventh grade through ninth grade range was arrived upon as they felt there already are programs available for older students, while younger might not have as much of a chance to get as involved.

“We saw that was where we were lacking in the community,” Palmeri said, noting inspiration was derived from local Interact clubs and youth programs through the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce.

A maximum of 12 students will be selected for the inaugural year, with applications due by Sept. 26. The application will be available on the City of Weirton’s website – cityofweirton.com – as well as the city’s Facebook page, with Palmeri noting applications also will be available through local schools.

A welcome meeting, which must be attended by all participants, will be held Oct. 20, with additional meetings of the Youth Council held once a month through April. Through those meetings, students will be able to meet with city officials and learn more about municipal operations, as well as other community representatives.

In addition, students must attend at least three meetings of Weirton Council during the term, with the Nov. 10 meeting being required.

“If it all works well, it will be reintroduced next year as a continuing program,” Holloway said.

For additional information, contact Brandy Brock, administrative assistant to the mayor, at (304) 797-8500, extension 1002, or by email at bbrock@cityofweirton.com.