Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC)

Since 1998, the Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) youth leadership program has engaged hundreds of students in experiential learning with the region’s leaders and experts in transportation, natural resource sustainability, community development, and more.

Each of the Atlanta region’s 11 metro counties (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale) and the City of Atlanta are represented in the diverse range of 10th and 11th grade students that have completed the program.

The MARC Program

MARC participants go beyond classroom learning to become immersed in the planning and development of a large metro region. Leadership, communication, and collaboration are some of the skills developed as students take tours, engage in debates, complete case studies, and learn from the region’s transportation, planning, arts and culture, and human services experts.

Recent MARC experiences include:

• Transformative discussions with top regional leaders and experts
• A hands-on case study on energy resources at Georgia Power
• Exclusive behind the scenes access to award winning facilities
• Use of industry-grade planning software
• Interactive pre-session leadership and planning activities
• Travel to multiple counties in the Atlanta region

MARC Commitment and Requirements

MARC 2023-2024 Dates

MARC 2023-2024 sessions are scheduled to take place in person on the following dates.

• Saturday, August 12 – Kick-off
• Saturday, September 9 – All Day Retreat
• Saturday, October 21
• Saturday, November 18
• Saturday, December 16
• Saturday, January 20 – Open House
• Saturday, February 24  – MARC Community Day (Optional)
• Wednesday, March 6  – ARC Board Presentation (Optional)

MARC Application

The application period for the 2023-2024 class has been closed. The application period for the 2024-2025 class will open March 2024.

Application criteria:

• • • Applications must be complete for consideration.
    • Students must be sophomores or juniors during the 2023-2024 academic year.
    • Students must demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
    • Students must demonstrate an interest in civic and community issues.
    • Students are selected based on their level of service and leadership, recommendations, and responses to essay questions.

MARC Flyer