Youth On Board Summer Academy
On August 6th members of Saint Paul Youth on Boards (YOB) presented their “Fake Cities” projects, which were the culmination of their final assignment for the Youth on Boards Summer Academy.
The Summer Academy is an 8-week training program by Youth on Boards designed to give young people a deeper understanding of how their city and its boards and commissions operate, with the goal of encouraging them to serve on these boards and commissions.
Each group developed a city modeled on the demographics of their district in Saint Paul. Participants utilized all the skills learned during Summer Academy like understanding personal values and beliefs, practicing communication, understanding the power of youth voice in decision-making, city finances/budgets, Roberts Rules of Order, and more! They spent weeks creating a city budget, drafting an ordinance proposal, selecting ideal city leaders, and preparing engaging presentations. Their presentations showcased both their hard work and the knowledge they gained during the academy.
Al Reiter, a Youth on Boards participant, reflected on his experience, saying, “We all agree on one thing and that is young people's voices are the representatives that will shape our future. As we continue through the summer academy, we learn about our power, value, and identity through workshops and discussions. I learned so many new things about my peers, such as the power and privileges that some have and the privileges that others may not carry.”
Heidi Lee, from the City of Saint Paul Human Resources, who provided feedback on the presentations, remarked: “Their priorities were rooted in community. To ensure that those who live, reside, and work in Saint Paul experience circular success. If students are doing well, mental health is thriving, and people feel safe, that means they want to be part of this community and are thriving.”
Olivia Robins, another YOB participant, shared that through the Summer Academy, she improved her public speaking skills, made connections with peers, and learned about the process of making changes.
Sernay Than noted that one of her key takeaways was the importance of patience. She found it challenging at first but realized that being patient is sometimes necessary to effect the changes you want to see.
It’s exciting to know that this fall, a new group of 19 Youth on Boards participants will begin serving on boards and commissions in the City of Saint Paul!
A special shoutout to the newest Youth on Board cohort: Al Reiter, Alexis Lor, Aliyah Yang, April Eh, Eh Ler Shee, Elena Lodhaseng, Iyannah Burns, Jamesha Richards, Kaitlyn Hang, Kalisha Yang, Kasia Yang, Makayla McMcaster, Mui M Da, Nardos Ashenafi, Olivia Robins, Paw Mu Thaw, Rory Vang, Sernay Than, and Zaryah Mosby!