Macon-Bibb County’s Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The immersive program teaches young people about government operations in our community and state. Students will attend a monthly session where they’ll take trips, meet local and state leaders and elected officials, and learn how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on September 19, 2025.

All Macon-Bibb 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students are eligible to apply, regardless of where they go to school. To apply, students can email Dr. Henry Ficklin at [email protected]. Students will fill an application, answer a few questions about their experiences in school and their personal lives, and then have an interview with one of the program leaders.

“Our GCAPS program just keeps getting better and better,” says Dr. Henry Ficklin, Executive Director of Community Affairs. “We are thrilled to provide this unique opportunity for our students once again. It’s more than just an after-school program, but an opportunity to experience things most students their age won’t get to. They get to meet elected officials, department heads, and see first-hand what makes our community run.”

GCAPS students will also get an exclusive opportunity at applying for the Lester M. Miller Academic Scholarship. The recipients will be announced at the annual Mayor’s Sneaker Ball in December.