Commission highlights student awards, youth employment and college advisory work

Commission staff and members described community-outreach work and youth-focused programs during the session.

Amy, who led outreach updates, said the commission changed this year's student awards program from a single banquet to delivering awards at students' schools, which allowed commissioners and staff to attend multiple school events. "This year, we did the human relations student awards... we changed it where we delivered it to their school," Amy said and thanked commissioners for attending several presentations.

Commissioner Watson described visiting Ward Elementary to present an award, praising the students' enthusiasm and noting support from Principal Wilson. "It was really enjoyable going to Ward Elementary... the support from the young people... was really what took my breath away," Watson said.

Colbert summarized the college advisory board model: the board gauges interest among area colleges to place student cohorts who would research city topics and present findings to City Council. Colbert said the work would dovetail with a mayoral youth employment initiative that has employers offering summer placements and that the commission hopes to expand those opportunities year-round.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff emphasized youth engagement and direct school outreach as tools to expand civic connection and reduce idle summer time for youth; the college advisory board is positioned to generate research to inform council decisions.

Next steps: staff and Colbert will continue outreach to colleges and employers and coordinate with the mayor's youth employment initiative.