Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC)
Last modified Monday, October 13, 2008 12:53
Now in its 11th year, the award-winning Model Atlanta Regional Commission brings together some 50 teens from all 10 counties in the region for six months of study, debate and hands-on activities regarding regional issues and challenges. It gives teens an opportunity to learn more about the community in which they live while honing their leadership skills.
"Make Your MARC" video (Windows Media Player)
The Concept
In order to involve the youth of the region in planning the city's future, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) established a dynamic leadership program in 1998 called the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC). It is designed to immerse and engage metro area high-school students in key issues affecting the Atlanta region.
MARC participants learn about past, present and future regional issues from both community leaders and ARC experts. The students learn about the challenges of transportation, air quality, human services, land use, water supply and quality. Using that knowledge, students explore regional issues in committees and develop possible solutions to challenges. At their final meeting, patterned after an ARC Board meeting, they present and vote on the resolutions they have drafted to create a stronger, healthier Atlanta region. The students then present their resolutions to the ARC Board for consideration. Resolutions of the 2007-2008 MARC class.
Selection Process
Early in the year, ARC sends applications for the Model Atlanta Regional Commission to community leaders, principals, counselors, teachers and others throughout the 10-county Atlanta region. A student must be a rising sophomore or junior to apply for selection in the program. ARC will begin accepting applications for the 2009-20010 class in February.
A committee representing ARC selects the MARC members, considering a variety of factors, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, level of interest, a written essay and recommendations. MARC includes students who represent all 10 counties in the Atlanta region.
Members of the 2008-2009 MARC Class
Photos of the 2008-2009 MARC Class
