To: Members of the Youth Commission
From: Kristin Read, Assistant Town Manager
Title
Youth Commission and Rising Star Scholarship Update
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
This memo provides an update on the Castle Rock Youth Commission’s activities to date. Since its establishment, the Commission has focused on involvement, communication, engagement and recognition for youth in Castle Rock, including the upcoming second annual Rising Star Scholarship program. The Commission continues to meet regularly and advance its advisory role to Council by fostering youth leadership and involvement in local government.
Discussion
Town Council established the Castle Rock Youth Commission on January 7, 2025, to provide high school students with opportunities to engage in local government, develop leadership skills, and advise the Town on youth-related matters. The Commission is composed of nine student members serving staggered terms and is supported by staff and a Council liaison.
Since its first members were appointed in September 2025, the Youth Commission has made meaningful progress in several areas:
Officers and operations
Commission members elected officers and have participated in monthly meetings since September. Meetings are open to the public and held in Council Chambers on the second Monday of each month through May at 6:30 p.m. Commission members have focused thus far on understanding their role and building a strong foundation for future work.
Involvement
Commission members have participated in opportunities designed to increase their understanding of local government, including presentations from Town departments and exposure to Town and County operations, personnel and events:
• Sept. 8, 2025, Town tour with Castle Rock Fire, Water, Police Departments
• Sept. 15, 2025, Crystal Valley Interchange tour
• Sept. 29, 2025, Douglas County Youth Congress (discussions with adult leaders)
• Sept. 30, 2025, State of the Town event
• Oct. 20, 2025, Boards and Commissions Appreciation event
• Dec. 11, 2025, State of the County event
• Upcoming: Feb. 12 Student Winter Legislative Kick-Off at State Capitol
Communication
Youth Commission members express the voices of teens in Castle Rock. This has included being featured in a Town video about the Commission, which played at the State of the Town event and on Town social media channels, as well as participating in the Town’s Festival of Trees program, to raise awareness of the Commission.
Commission members routinely share ideas on how to help others. They also communicate among themselves via The Brief - a monthly publication developed by a Commission member. The Commission also collaborates with the Town’s Communications Division to advertise its activities to the broader public.
Engagement
The Youth Commission organizes, plans and participates in service projects and other events aligned with its mission:
• Oct. 15, 2025, Spooktacular - helped young residents enjoy games and prizes
• Oct. 25, 2025, Countywide youth commission cleanup of Wilcox Building lawn
• Nov. 13, 2025, Project Linus - made fleece blankets for children in need
• December 2025, Adopt-A-Child and Giving Tree - commissioners shopped and provided
gift cards for local children in need
• Upcoming: the Commission is planning a Spikeball fundraiser supporting Castle View High School DECA and Make-A-Wish
Recognition
To date, the Commission has recognized four local youth with an Outstanding Youth Leadership and Service in Castle Rock award. The Commission also has taken over implementation of the second-year Rising Star Scholarship program, which recognizes graduating high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, service and positive community impact.
The Commission will coordinate outreach, application review and selection processes, culminating in the presentation of four $1,000 scholarships to deserving students at the May 5 Town Council meeting.
Future work
The Youth Commission will continue to explore opportunities aligned with its mission. The four seniors on the Commission will graduate in May, and Council will be asked to appoint members to succeed them starting next fall.