Peoria students have completed a summer worth of work as part of the 2019 Mayor’s Youth Program.
A closing session took place Friday at the Gateway Building as the students heard from speakers including Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis and Peoria Public Schools Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat.
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The Mayor’s Youth Program is an eight-week program design to provide students with opportunities in the public services sector working at the number of jobs.
Ardis says the program has evolved throughout the years.
“It’s a very well-rounded program. It’s not just about coming in and picking up trash anymore,” Ardis said.
“(The students) get a good luck at the city and how it operates and some of the different functions are,” Ardis said. “It also give the kids a great opportunity to have a more comprehensive look at other businesses in the community.”
Participants interacted with various City departments with a focus also on life skills development, learning workshops, career pathway lectures and business tours.
“As a parent I see my own kids grow up and I see them learn and grow in their lives. To see these kids come together as a team and work that way, too, is very rewarding,” said City Engineer Bill Lewis.
