Community Corner
Peoria High Schoolers To Work And Learn As Part Of Mayor’s Youth Program
Some city of Peoria high school students are in for an enriching month as the Mayor's Youth Program kicked off at City Hall today.
July 13, 2020
Grant funding to foster teens’ work experience and development
Some city of Peoria high school students are in for an enriching month as the Mayor’s Youth Program kicked off at City Hall today, Monday, July 13.
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This year’s condensed program is getting a late start as funding was initially uncertain due to economic hardships sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler of Peoria assisted in securing a Member Initiative Grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
The funding will give a dozen Peoria youth the opportunity to learn about local government, realize a broad spectrum of career paths and develop invaluable work experience in a supportive team environment.
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“Opportunities such as this allow our young people to engage with local leaders and create positive change within their community,” said Sen. Dave Koehler. “It’s critical to continue creating chances for young people to learn new skills when so many of them have seen career development opportunities disappear. I’m proud to have worked to secure the necessary funding to ensure the continuation of this vital program.”
The program exposes area youth to public service careers and helps develop a more diverse workforce by tapping the next generation of community leaders. Throughout the program, participants will focus on work related activities Monday through Thursday and then join presentations from public servants, consulting firms, vendors and skilled trades workers each Friday.
“We’re very grateful for Sen. Koehler’s advocacy of our summer youth program,” said Mayor Jim Ardis. “The program provides an outstanding opportunity for our future leaders to learn more about what our city does and hopefully encourages them to consider a future career in government.”
The program will wrap up in four weeks with a closing ceremony slated for Thursday, August 13.
This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
