Nineteen local high school students representing 10 schools are getting an inside look at local government as part of Manatee County’s first Model Manatee County Government Civics Education Program.
The inaugural program is designed to give students firsthand experience with the operations of county government while introducing them to the people, departments and constitutional offices that serve the community.
Throughout the program, participants will meet and connect with local government leaders and staff while learning about the responsibilities of different county departments and how decisions are made at the local level.
Students will also take part in hands-on activities intended to turn what they learn about government into practical experience. The program will culminate with a mock Manatee County Commission meeting, giving participants an opportunity to experience the process of considering issues and conducting county business.
The Model Manatee program expands civics education beyond the classroom by giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the processes and public services involved in operating one of Florida’s growing counties.
Manatee County welcomed the 19 students as its first class of Model Manatee participants and said the program will provide them with a better understanding of the people, processes and services that keep the county operating.
The 2026 class marks the beginning of the county’s new effort to engage local students in civic education and introduce the next generation to the workings of local government.