Southern Growth Policy Board Youth Forums

Through the Southern Growth Policies Board, Governors and other key leaders of thirteen states and Puerto Rico jointly investigate economic development issues of high priority across the South.  Each year, an issue is selected for in-depth research that results in policy and action recommendations for implementation at local, state, and regional levels.  A critical part of the process is the faciliation of community-based forums.  In 2008, the key policy question was "What are the biggest challenges facing our community, and how can young people help address these challenges?"

Building upon the 2006 and 2007 efforts, and to futher support Southern Growth and the State of Georgia, in 2008, a series of discussions focused specifically on youth development and engagement were launched in Georgia.  The focus was identified by Southern Growth in recognition of the immense value and potential of youth development as a critical building block toward developing a strong workforce and fostering knowledge-driven innovation that fosters new technologies and business opportunities.