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Our Children. Our Future.
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Mayor’s Youth Council 2019-2020

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss introduced the 2019-2020 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) to the City Commission and community during a Commission meeting. MYC gives high schoolers a voice in local government. Members have direct access to the Mayor and City Commissioners by meeting monthly to discuss city policies and procedures and issues that are important to teens. MYC members also participate in community service projects and facilitate the annual youth forum KidSpeak®. This year’s Council also gave input into the new weapon’s ordinance education campaign.

This year’s MYC includes 9th through 12th graders who live in the city’s three wards. They are:

Rajaa Alhamd, 12th grade, City High/Middle School, 2nd Ward
Tyler Bandlow, 10th grade Catholic Central High School, 2nd Ward
Jack Boshoven, 9th grade, Catholic Central High School, 1st Ward
Thomas Caprara, 10th grade, East Grand Rapids High School, 3rd Ward
Miriam DeVries, 12th grade, Grand Rapids Christian High School, 1st Ward
Peter Falb, 11th grade, City High/Middle School, 2nd Ward
Emanuel Galindo-Peralta, 11th grade, C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy, 1st Ward
Cody Garrison, 12th grade, Union High School, 1st Ward
Ariana Grant, 10th grade, University Preparatory Academy, 3rd Ward
Abigail Haan, 10th grade, City High/Middle School, 2nd Ward
Chloe Hogarth, 10th grade, Grandville High School, 1st Ward
Bella Idsinga, 9th grade, C.A. Frost Environmental Science Academy, 1st Ward
Maxwell Klein, 12th grade, Catholic Central High School, 3rd Ward
Adam Kuzee, 12th grade, City High/Middle School, 2nd Ward
Zaionna Love, 10th grade, Innovation Central High School, 3rd Ward
Jordon Orr, 11th grade, City High/Middle School, 3rd Ward
Antony Pena, 12th grade, Union High School, 1st Ward
Yeimi Reyes, 11th grade, University Preparatory Academy, 1st Ward
Imani Richmond, 11th grade, City High/Middle School, 3rd Ward
Aislan Sikkel, 9th grade, Catholic Central High School, 3rd Ward
Anneke Spoelma, 9th grade, Grand Rapids Public Museum High School, 1st Ward
Sophie Stegehuis, 11th grade Catholic Central High School, 2nd Ward
Abigail Tietema, 11th grade, Catholic Central High School, 2nd Ward
Madeline Uren, 10th grade, City High/Middle School, 2nd Ward
Gabriel Vanderwoude, 10th grade, Grand Rapids Christian High School, 3rd Ward
Pablo Villalvazo, 11th grade, Union High School, 1st Ward
Mary Kate Wittkowski, 11th grade, Catholic Central High School, 3rd Ward
Joanna Workman, 10th grade, Grand Rapids Public Museum High School, 1st Ward

Our Children. Our Future.

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Tools & Resources Our Children. Our Future. GRow 1,000 Summer 2020 Report Scroll to top

Step 1 of 10 - Contact Information

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  • Summer Session: June 8 – 19, 2020
    Application Deadline: May 27, 2020
    Ages 15 to 24 Only
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    This does not eliminate you from the LEAD Program application process.

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  • If you have no work experience, please write-in N/A in the “company” slot. Resumes will be accepted but not in lieu of this application.

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  • Read the standards here:
  • Choose up to 3 responses
  • This is the sum of income of everyone that lives in your house
  • In your essay, address why should you be chosen to participate in the LEAD program. Describe achievements, characteristics and/or special qualities that will set you apart from other applicants. Include what level of commitment you will make to the LEAD program and your subsequent employment opportunity. In addition, tell us what you hope to learn while in the program. Lastly, describe your dream career and how you plan to obtain it.
  • Upload your 1 page, double-spaced, essay here.
    Max. file size: 512 MB.
  • Max. file size: 512 MB.
  • Those completing the program have the opportunity to be a paid employee at a company that is part of the Mayor’s 100 Campaign. Go to http://ourcommunityschildren.com/occ-ppp/mayors-100-businesses/ for a list of companies.

  • I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

    If this application leads to acceptance into the LEAD program and ultimately into employment, I understand that false or misleading information in my application or interview may result in my release.

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  • A required group interview will BE SCHEDULED THROUGH EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE.
    Applicants will be notified about their acceptance by email.
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  • COMPANY INFORMATION

  • COMPANY DESCRIPTION

  • JOB DESCRIPTION

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  • DISCLAIMER AND SIGNATURE

    I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. This company agrees to provide meaningful jobs for young men and women in high school and/or college. As part of the Mayor’s 100, this company agrees to share 50% of the cost of employing a young person for up to 240 hours with the City of Grand Rapids. The City’s financial contribution is based on a job assignment that pays at least $10.00 to $13.00 per hour (including withholdings). This company understands that we may choose to pay higher wages and hours at our own expense. During this employment commitment, this company understands that it will have access to a Program Coordinator through Our Community’s Children to ensure a successful placement.
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Step 1 of 5 - Applicant Information

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Applicant Information

Name
Street Address
(Must Live in the City of Grand Rapids; no exceptions will be made.)
Date of Birth
Gender

In which City Ward do you live?
(MYC Applicants can visit www.grcity.us, call the City Clerk's Office at 616.456.3010, or check the map here):
How did you hear about the Mayor's Youth Council?

Education

References

Please list two professional or character references; must be a non-family member and not a high school student.
Name
Address
Name (Reference 2)
Address

Tell us about yourself

Disclaimer and Signature

I certify that my answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

MEMBERSHIP ON THE MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL DEMANDS STRICT ATTENDANCE. ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN A CONTRACT AGREEING TO FULL PARTICIPATION AND LAWFUL AND APPROPRIATE CONDUCT WHILE ON THE COUNCIL. THERE WILL BE TWO FORMAL MEETINGS PER MONTH ALONG WITH SUBCOMMITTEE MEETINGS AND MANDATORY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES. SOME ACTIVITIES OCCUR DURING SCHOOL HOURS. COUNCIL TERMS ARE FOR ONE SCHOOL YEAR – OCTOBER TO MAY. SIGN ONLY IF YOU CAN MAKE SUCH A COMMITMENT.
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You must live in the City of Grand Rapids; no exceptions will be made.

Group interviews will be virtual. Applicants will be notified about their 
interviews and acceptance into the program by email. 
Please check your email for important information. 


Read more about the Mayor's Youth Council here
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