Ponca City Mayor's Civic Youth Academy
The inaugural year of this program is being funded through the Manering Community Impact Grant, awarded by the United Way of North Central Oklahoma. We want to thank the United Way for their support to make this project happen! We want to also thank the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce for their help to bring this program to life. This initiative is a joint partnership between the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, Ponca City Development Authority and the City of Ponca City. Pictured (left to right): Liz Leaming, PCDA Workforce Director & Government Liaison; Shelley Arrott, Ponca City Chamber President/CEO; Tara Goldman, United Way Executive Director; Mayor Kelsey Wagner; Jenny Creech, United Way Campaign Chair; Back row: Craig Stephenson, City Manager; Don Bohon, Deputy City Manager.
Interested In Applying?
Are you a Junior or Senior who would like to make a difference in our community? This is your opportunity to be a part of the new Ponca City Mayor's Youth Academy! The vision of the Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy is to empower high school students through hands-on learning, leadership development, and a commitment to public service. If you’re passionate about making a difference in our community and want to learn how city government really works, we invite you to apply for this unique opportunity. Applicants must currently be high school juniors or seniors and residents of Ponca City. Home school, Private School or Public School students are permitted. Please print out and complete the following application clearly in blue or black ink. You may attach additional pages if needed. All sections must be completed to be considered for the program.
The Mayor's Youth Civic Academy is your platform to inspire, lead, and shape the future. Together, let's build a brighter tomorrow for all.
Follow this Online Application Form Link to fill and submit an application online.
Follow this Application PDF Link for a printable version.
Turn in applications online, or to City Hall - or submit PDF applications to [email protected] by Thursday May 15, 2025 by 4pm.
You can also get a copy at the City Hall in the Administration Office or from the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.
2025 Mayor's Youth Civic Academy Dates: Monday through Friday, June 16 - 20, 8 am to 4pm each day.
Contact us with any questions or concerns.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (580) 767-0339
City Hall Address: 516 E. Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601
The Mayor's Youth Civic Academy is your platform to inspire, lead, and shape the future. Together, let's build a brighter tomorrow for all.
Follow this Online Application Form Link to fill and submit an application online.
Follow this Application PDF Link for a printable version.
Turn in applications online, or to City Hall - or submit PDF applications to [email protected] by Thursday May 15, 2025 by 4pm.
You can also get a copy at the City Hall in the Administration Office or from the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce.
2025 Mayor's Youth Civic Academy Dates: Monday through Friday, June 16 - 20, 8 am to 4pm each day.
Contact us with any questions or concerns.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (580) 767-0339
City Hall Address: 516 E. Grand Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74601
More Information
What Is the Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy?
The Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy (MYCA) is a leadership and civic engagement program for high school juniors and seniors who reside in Ponca City. This weeklong academy is built on the belief that educating youth about how local government works empowers them to become informed, active members of their community. By providing students with a platform to learn, lead, and share their ideas, the academy cultivates a sense of civic pride and belonging—while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in MYCA?
As a participant in the Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how your city operates, from public safety and planning to economic development and infrastructure. You’ll meet local leaders, tour city departments, and take part in real-world activities and discussions. This hands-on experience will not only strengthen your leadership skills but also give you the tools to make a real difference in Ponca City—both now and in the future.
What will the Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy be like?
The academy takes place over five days, with each day focused on a different theme—ranging from city services and economic development to civic engagement and leadership. Activities include:
Download a Copy of the Student's Code of Conduct Agreement
Download a Copy of the Student Participation Agreement & Liability Waiver
Download a Copy of the Selection Process Guidelines and Policies
The Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy (MYCA) is a leadership and civic engagement program for high school juniors and seniors who reside in Ponca City. This weeklong academy is built on the belief that educating youth about how local government works empowers them to become informed, active members of their community. By providing students with a platform to learn, lead, and share their ideas, the academy cultivates a sense of civic pride and belonging—while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in MYCA?
As a participant in the Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how your city operates, from public safety and planning to economic development and infrastructure. You’ll meet local leaders, tour city departments, and take part in real-world activities and discussions. This hands-on experience will not only strengthen your leadership skills but also give you the tools to make a real difference in Ponca City—both now and in the future.
What will the Mayor’s Youth Civic Academy be like?
The academy takes place over five days, with each day focused on a different theme—ranging from city services and economic development to civic engagement and leadership. Activities include:
- Department tours and city facility visits
- Interactive simulations and group challenges
- Lunch-and-learns with community leaders
- A mock City Commission meeting
- A graduation ceremony where students are sworn in as official Civic Ambassadors of Ponca City.
Download a Copy of the Student's Code of Conduct Agreement
Download a Copy of the Student Participation Agreement & Liability Waiver
Download a Copy of the Selection Process Guidelines and Policies