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Councilor Van Williams unveils student outreach and car-giveaway plan to boost trades and tech pathways
Summary
Councilor Regina Van Williams announced a finance update and a new initiative to boost student entry into trades and tech careers, including a planned car giveaway for a deserving senior who meets work-and-merit criteria.
Pleasant Grove — Councilor Regina Van Williams told the council on Jan. 12 that city finances are stable and outlined a new education initiative to expand student access to technical and trade careers.
Van Williams, chair of the finance committee, said the city’s spending is "coming in better than we did last year," and that committee work will help the council better understand budget responsibilities. She proposed a student-focused program to connect young people with trades and technology opportunities and said she plans to award "a deserving student a car before they graduate" based on work, service and demonstrated need.
"They have to work hard for it. It's not going to be a gimmick," Van Williams said, describing plans to add trade-focused vehicle awards next year to support students pursuing plumbing, HVAC, electrical or construction trades. She said the program will include volunteer credits — for tasks like lawn care and senior outreach — that count toward qualification.
Van Williams also named a partner for food-bank support and said the Bradberry Foundation will seed the Hope Community Center pantry with $1,000 for January and a repeat effort at Easter.
What happens next: Van Williams said she will coordinate with school principals and counselors and return with program details, criteria and timelines for awarding the vehicle and any associated fundraising or budget adjustments.
