Waltham to Hold First Mayoral Youth Summit

WALTHAM, MA – Waltham will hold its inaugural Mayoral Youth Summit this fall after concerns arose over two specific incidents involving youths in the city.

Superintendent Drew Echelson sent a letter to the WPS community announcing the forum, which will take place in late October.

According to Echelson's letter, the Mayoral Youth Summit is in direct response to a case of youth violence connected to drugs and an incident involving racially charged social media posts by students in the city. Echelson worked closely with city and school officials, as well as 15 Waltham High School students, to develop and lead the first Mayoral Youth Summit in the wake of these cases.

The objectives of the summit are for youth in the Watch City to participate in leadership training, find new ways to engage with the school and community, commence a problem-solving process with community leaders and participate in sessions covering topics related to youth issues.

Jamele Adams, Dean of Students at Brandeis University, will deliver the keynote address, followed by a breakout session and closing . The topics that will be tackled include:

Community Relations

• Restorative Circle: Community-Police Relations in Waltham (connect to One School, One Book)
• Youth Voice in City Decision-making

Diversity, Equity and Social Justice

• Diversity Dialogues: Isms and identity
• Race: The Power of an Illusion
• Creating an inclusive school for LGBTQ students and allies

Smart Choices

• Food Justice
• Mindfulness and Yoga for Stress Management
• Healthy Relationships/Healthy Communication
• Red Solo Cups, Weed and Pills: A Seminar on underage substance abuse in collaboration with Massachusetts District Attorney Office and the Middlesex Partnership for Youth
• Social Media: Opportunities and Danger in collaboration with Massachusetts District Attorney Office and the Middlesex Partnership for Youth

Youth Leadership

• Youth in Philanthropy
• Youth Leadership 101
• Speak Up, Speak Out: Understanding Your Voice Matters

What’s Next?

• College Admissions: Process, Advice and Student Panel
• College Financial Aid: All the possibilities to pay for college and how to find them
• Experiences of First Generation College Students
• Gap Year-Community Service Programs

The Mayoral Youth Summit will begin at 8 a.m. on Oct. 29.

Photo via Waltham Public Schools