City Of Peoria: Peoria High Schoolers To Gain Job Skills Through Mayor's Youth Program  

Press release from the City of Peoria:

June 7, 2021

City to foster teens’ learning and growth summer 2021 
 
Some Peoria high school students are in for an enriching summer as the Mayor’s Youth Program kicks off in downtown Peoria, Monday, June 7. This year’s program for Peoria youth will focus on “going green.” The student workers will pick up litter, remove debris in and around storm sewers, pluck weeds and care for green infrastructure – all in an effort to improve the City’s vast number of green spaces devoted to diverting storm water away from storm sewers.  
   
“Opportunities such as this allow our young people to engage with city staff and local leaders and create positive change within their community,” said Public Works Director Rick Powers. “It’s critical to continue creating chances for young people to learn new skills. I’m excited to have this young crew aboard this important program.”  
   
The 2021 program comes at a time when Peoria is looking to diversify its workforce and tap the next generation of community leaders. Therefore, throughout the program, participants will focus on work related activities Monday through Thursday and then join presentations from public servants, consulting firms and skilled trades workers each Friday.  
   
“We’re proud to advocate for our summer youth program,” said Powers. “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 eight weeks with a closing ceremony slated for Friday, July 30 at the Twin Towers across from City Hall. Members of the media will be welcome to attend the event.  
   
Questions?  
Contact Peoria Public Works at publicworks@peoriagov.org.  

###  

About the Program  
The Mayor’s Youth Program is designed to support economically disadvantaged youth in reaching their full potential in their community, school, and work by providing them with opportunities to connect with the greater Peoria community through meaningful work involving green infrastructure that makes a real-world impact on the city of Peoria. 
The Mayor’s Youth Program is dedicated to guiding principles of strengthening the Peoria community through civic leadership, working together to broaden impact, continuous learning, valuing youth-led public service, and creating safe work environments that celebrate diversity and inclusion.  
   
Goals  

• Provide supportive and encouraging work experiences for Peoria’s economically disadvantaged youth  

• Enhance their involvement in the community and desire to continue to invest in Peoria 

This press release was produced by City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.