Local teens coming together to enact change

Published on March 14, 2023

Calling all local high schoolers: It’s time to expand your knowledge on local government and make your voices heard at the first-ever Cabarrus County Teen Summit.

The free event is Saturday, March 18 from 1-5 p.m. at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center (4551 Old Airport Rd. Concord).

Teens will meet with elected officials, learn about local government, work on a service project and network with peers.

The summit will end with a discussion on teen-related issues, followed by a brainstorming session on how the community can help with those needs.

Discussion items from the Teen Summit will be shared during the April Elected Officials Summit, which is a quarterly gathering where local government representatives give updates and discuss important topics. The idea of the youth version originally formed after members of the Cabarrus County Youth Commission attended an Elected Officials Summit late last year. 

Cabarrus County Commissioner Barbara Strang, who serves as the Board liaison to the Youth Commission, says the goal is to help expose kids to the opportunities available, and make sure they are gaining well-rounded experiences. 

The last day to register for the Teen Summit is Thursday (March 16). To register, visit cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu, click Cabarrus Teen Summit under the events section, and then click the register online button.

Saturday's event is hosted by the Cabarrus County Youth Commission, a chartered 4-H Club through NC Cooperative Extension that serves as an appointed committee with the Cabarrus Board of Commissioners.