Wasco PAL enrollment rises; council authorizes Caltrans grant application to fund internships
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Summary
The city's PAL (youth) program reported growth to 90 enrolled youths and active community partnerships. Council authorized a Caltrans CCEP grant application to fund summer internships and job training for PAL seniors.
The city's PAL juvenile program reported rising enrollment and community partnerships at the council meeting, and the council authorized staff to apply for a Clean California Community Clean-Up and Employment Pathway (CCEP) grant to fund paid summer internships for PAL participants.
Diana Garcia, identified in the meeting as the PAL director, told the council the program has 90 enrolled youth ages 11 to 17, average daily attendance of 25 to 30, seven volunteers and three boxing coaches. Garcia described the program's mission to build positive relations between law enforcement and youth and listed recent community activities including a rose parade, National Night Out, a community cleanup, and receiving daily USDA supper meals through a Boys & Girls Club partnership.
City staff presented a grant proposal to link PAL youth to paid summer internships that would provide job training and beautification work in coordination with public works. Staff said the grant application would target graduating PAL seniors who are at least 18 and that the grant budget would include compensation and benefits for participants, including work-related coverage such as workers' compensation. Council members voiced support for the program and for applying for the Caltrans-administered CCEP grant.
Council later adopted a resolution authorizing the city to submit the CCEP application and execute a grant agreement with Caltrans if awarded; the resolution passed unanimously. Staff said the grant application deadline will be observed and that a detailed budget will be included in the application.
