Council approves funding for teen technology mentors program; construction funding discussion to follow

The City Council voted unanimously to approve creation of a Teen Technology Mentors program that pairs paid high-school interns with residents for technology workshops and digital-literacy assistance.

Community Building and Planning Director Ruby Iramanesh presented the program concept as a paid internship in partnership with Carmel High School; the proposal would have students teach residents topics such as identifying AI and using helpful apps, and would seek to improve tech literacy while strengthening student–resident connections. Iramanesh said the program needs a classroom-sized space and presented an estimated construction cost of $150,000 to $200,000, for which she proposed approximately $175,000 if a new build were required. She noted grant funds available for materials and intern stipends and said council funding would be focused on construction if a new facility is required.

Council and public speakers suggested alternative approaches to reduce cost, including repurposing existing city-owned space, hosting workshops at Carmel High School, or partnering with other local facilities to avoid the high construction estimate.

Council action: A council member moved and another seconded a motion to approve the new Teen Technology Mentors program and allocate available surplus funding as appropriate; the council approved the motion by unanimous roll call (Council member Pritchard: Yes; Council member Moreau: Yes; Council member Morgan: Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Blessing: Yes; Mayor Norman: Yes). Motion carries unanimously.

Councilors asked staff to explore lower-cost facility options and to coordinate with Carmel High School and potential grant sources before committing significant construction funds.