by Krystal Paco

Guam - Students from Guam's high schools learned more about the legislative branch of government and the formation of public policy as part of the 2011 Guahan Youth Summit today at the Guam Legislature. Approximately 50 students took part in the three-day summit sponsored by the national Close-Up organization based out of Washington, DC.

Summit facilitator and Close-Up director Paul Burneko says the main aim is to give the youth an opportunity to voice their opinions on some of the Guam's pressing issues. "That there is an opportunity for them to stay engaged and to continue to make the case for these policy issues by making public their own position on this and perhaps sustaining an organization of these same students to continue to purse that policy agency," he told KUAM News.

Students dicussed topics from economic development and budget to law enforcement and public safety and will present their public policy solutions to the guam legislature and youth congress on wednesday, the final day of the summit. The close up organization is a nonprofit group that educates young people about civics and government and inspires them to become informed and engaged citizens.