Commission plans follow-up on youth outreach, opportunity fair and apprenticeship ideas

The commission on Sept. 26 discussed next steps to expand youth outreach following an opportunity fair held earlier in the year and potential collaborations with city and school partners. Members said they will consider repeating the opportunity fair next year but start planning earlier to increase vendor participation and avoid scheduling conflicts with school events. Commissioners proposed lowering the target age range to reach high school underclassmen earlier so they are better prepared as juniors and seniors. Commissioners discussed coordination with the mayor's newly formed youth advisory council and suggested contacting Councilman Burton to lead school and outreach contacts once his schedule allows after November. Commissioners said partnership with the mayor's group could facilitate access to schools and counselors who helped register students for the earlier fair. Members also described an apprenticeship initiative being introduced by EREP for students who do not choose a college route. Commissioners asked staff to begin sketching a blueprint and a skeleton plan to build into a full outreach strategy, including outreach to grandparents and other caregivers; Joshua Academy was cited as holding an outreach meeting for grandparents the following morning. No formal vote was taken; commissioners identified multiple next steps including early vendor outreach, coordination with the mayor's youth advisory council and a commissioner-led follow-up with Councilman Burton when available.