The Learning Council is a new statewide student advisory group formed by Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass to discuss how state policy decisions impact students in Iowa. Student representatives will serve as liaisons between the Department and Iowa students.

The Learning Council will consist of 15 members who will serve from February through December 2012 and will attend four meetings (March, May, September, and December).

Students in grades 8-12 from public and nonpublic schools are eligible to apply.

Applications should be returned to Byron Darnall, special assistant to Director Glass, at byron.darnall@iowa.gov, or by mail: Byron Darnall, Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0146

The application deadline is January 31, 2012.