The newest selectees for the GCAPS program took their oaths on Sept. 27, kicking off the program’s second year.

Eighteen students from the Dougherty County School System and Sherwood Christian Academy were selected to participate in the Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students or GCAPS program this year.

The students will spend the year learning about how government operates through on-site visits, interviews and summits. The students will also be able to work with their peers in other communities through events at the Georgia State Capitol and in Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, the program kicked off with a student and parent orientation followed a “Government 101,” course outlining the basics of federal, state and local governments.

The program is a collaboration between the Dougherty County Commission and the Dougherty County School System and is fully funded by both organizations.

GCAPS originated with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia or ACCG and has grown to field chapters in counties across Georgia.

The group of students will head to Macon for a Youth Leadership Summit at Middle Georgia College on Oct. 6-7 where they’ll interact with peers from across Georgia and learn more about becoming leaders in their respective communities.