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Mayor’s Youth Council 2023-2024

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss introduced the 2023-24 Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) to the City Commission and community during a recent 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 MYC includes 9th through 12th graders who live in the city’s three wards. They are:

Executive Board

Ivan Schury, MYC President, 12th Grade, Grand Rapids Public Museum, 3rd Ward

Lena Reeves, MYC Vice President, 12th Grade, City High/Middle, 2nd Ward

Angela Perez, Secretary, 12th Grade, Grand Rapids Union, 2nd Ward

Julian Wilson, KidSpeak 2024 Chair, 11th Grade, City High/Middle, 3rd Ward

Member

Akeelah Howard, 10th Grade, City High/Middle, 1st Ward

Jennifer Velasquez Lopez, 12th Grade, Grand Rapids Union, 1st Ward

Nadia Hagedorn, 10th Grade, City High/Middle, 1st Ward

Neveah Xiong, 10th Grade, Grand Rapids University Preparatory, 1st Ward

Rima Patel, 11th Grade, Grand Rapids Union, 1st Ward

Sophia Ferenczi, 12th Grade, Grand Rapids Public Museum, 1st Ward

Tayden Beene, 11th Grade, City High/Middle, 1st Ward

Carlos Santos, 12th Grade, East Grand Rapids, 2nd Ward

Cashis Bobo, 11th Grade, Grand Rapids Union, 2nd Ward

Eden Kruis, 10th Grade, City High/Middle, 2nd Ward

Oscar Gomez-Guitierrez, 10th Grade, City High/Middle, 2nd Ward

Tanmayi Dakshnmoorthy, 10th Grade, City High/Middle, 2nd Ward

Aarna Ambardar, 10th Grade, Catholic Central, 3rd Ward

Aaron Howard, 10th Grade, Catholic Central, 3rd Ward

Alexander Byrnes, 11th Grade, City High/Middle, 3rd Ward

Jaheim Taylor-Dickerson, 11th Grade, Link Learning Center, 3rd Ward

Josiah Willink, 12th Grade, City High/Middle, 3rd Ward

Nkechinyere Owkwuwasi, 10th Grade, City High/Middle, 3rd Ward

Sofie Vandraager, 12th Grade, City High/Middle, 3rd Ward

Terrell Daniels, 12th Grade, Grand Rapids Union, 3rd Ward

Harini Manikandan, 9th Grade, City High/Middle, Observing Member

Our Children. Our Future.

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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
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    This does not eliminate you from the LEAD Program application process.

  • NOTE: Please hit the tab button for the "Next" button to appear.

  • 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.

    NOTE: Please hit the tab button for the "Next" button to appear.

  • NOTE: Please hit the tab button for the "Next" button to appear.

  • NOTE: Please hit the tab button for the "Next" button to appear.

  • NOTE: Please hit the tab button for the "Next" button to appear.

  • 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.

    NOTE: Please hit the tab button for the "submit" button to appear. Hit "submit" to complete your application.

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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

  • Max. file size: 512 MB.
    • Description of duties to be performed • Name of department • Qualifications

  • 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.
MM slash DD slash YYYY

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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