Mayor Bibb’s Junior Mayors Association
Why Join the Junior Mayors Association (JMA)?
JMA offers a unique opportunity for students to amplify their voices, build leadership skills, and create lasting change, all while forging connections with influential decision-makers and like-minded peers. This program is perfect for students eager to grow as leaders, learn the inner workings of local government, and leave a positive mark on their city. Join us and be the voice of tomorrow’s change today!
During your time in JMA, you will have the opportunity to:
- Enhance your interpersonal skills through collaborative team activities and a group project.
- Collaborate with your cohort to develop and present a project to city leadership.
- Gain first-hand insight into the role of a mayor through hands-on experiences and engaging simulations.
- Present your ideas to influential leaders across Cleveland, showcasing your vision for making a meaningful impact in your community.
Program Overview
- Mission: Junior Mayor Association empowers Cleveland youth by providing insights into local government and leadership.
- Purpose: Educate students on local government, focusing on the Mayor's role.
- Approach: Students engage with City leaders, learning about public safety, health, community development, and more through interactive sessions.
- Student Involvement: Students actively share ideas, select topics, and propose solutions to enhance their communities.
Junior Mayors Schedule
| Date | Time | Theme of the Day | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 17 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Introduction Day | Junior Mayors will kick off the Junior Mayors Association by meeting their peers, learning more about the program, and getting an inside look at how City Hall and local government work. |
| December 1 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Civic Engagement Day | Junior Mayors will explore the importance of civic participation, voting, and how young people can make their voices heard in their communities. |
| December 15 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Development Day | Junior Mayors will learn how economic and community development impacts Cleveland neighborhoods and explore the vision behind building a stronger and more equitable city. |
| January 5 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Public Health Day | Junior Mayors will explore the role public health plays in building healthy communities and learn how the City and its partners work to address the needs of residents. |
| January 19 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Community Engagement Day | Junior Mayors will learn how the City connects with residents, builds community partnerships, and ensures that Clevelanders have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods. |
| February 2 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Public Safety Day | Junior Mayors will learn about the City’s approach to public safety and hear from leaders working to create safer, stronger communities across Cleveland. |
| February 16 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Preparation Day | Junior Mayors will work with mentors and City leaders to develop and prepare their ideas and presentations ahead of their final presentation day. |
| March 9 | 3:30 PM–6:00 PM | Presentation Day | Junior Mayors will present their ideas and solutions to City leaders, community partners, and peers, showcasing what they have learned throughout the Junior Mayors Association. |
Interested in joining the Junior Mayors Association?
Current Cleveland high school students entering grades 11–12 for the 2026–2027 school year may apply to be considered for the next cohort.
Highlights From JMA 2026
Junior Mayor trying on public safety gear
Junior Mayors in public safety vehicle
Junior Mayor's petting police horses
Junior Mayors with police horses
Junior Mayors touring water treatment plant
Junior Mayor presenting public health proposal
Junior Mayors working on public health proposal
Junior Mayors at Rid-All Farm
Junior Mayors playing Kahoot!
Junior Mayors during an open forum with city officials
Junior Mayors during an open forum with city officials
Jaden Baxter introducing city officials to Junior Mayors
Junior Mayors eating dinner and discussing capstone project
Junior Mayors at CentroVilla25
Junior Mayor engaging in a mock vote
Junior Mayors participating in a mock vote
Junior Mayor participating in a mock vote
Junior Mayor viewing Relay exhibit
Junior Mayors viewing Relay exhibit
Junior Mayors in Council Chambers
Mayor Justin Bibb speaking with Junior Mayors
Junior Mayor in Council Chamber
Stay Informed
If you are an 11th or 12th grader and a Cleveland resident interested in becoming more engaged in local civic participation, this is the program for you! To join next year’s cohort or stay updated, please email Jaden Baxter for more information.
"I enjoyed how much everyone cared about our experience and made sure we had everything we needed. Most of all, I appreciated how organized each meeting was and how meaningful the conversations felt."
Participant/Graduate
JMA, 2025
"I loved the feeling of being welcomed into this space and the new opportunities that came from the experience."
Participant/Graduate
JMA, 2025
"I don’t want to work in government, but I love this program."
Participant/Graduate
JMA, 2024
"I learned so much and I actually feel like my voice was heard."
Participant/Graduate
JMA, 2024