Mayor's Youth Summit set for March 31st

February 21, 2012

Mayor Linda M. Balzotti announces that registration is open for this year’s Mayor’s Youth Summit. The 13^th Annual event is set for Saturday, March 31^st, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Middle School, 271 West St. The event is free to all.

“The Youth Summit is an invaluable opportunity, not just for the young people taking part in the event, but for me as well,” said Mayor Balzotti.  “The chance to see issues from a youth perspective is a very important one when it comes to developing solutions for the whole city.  I encourage everyone to take part.”

In addition to participants, Peer Facilitators and adult volunteers are also needed.  Peer Facilitators lead the youth-only break-out sessions.  Anyone interested in becoming a Peer Facilitator must attend the pre-summit training sessions and the entire youth summit. For more information about becoming a Peer Facilitator call (508) 897-6821. Adults interested in volunteering can call (508) 894-2516.  Adult volunteers must submit a completed CORI form in addition to a volunteer application.

This year’s summit is built on the idea that Brockton’s youth have the power to create a bright and secure future for themselves.  The Youth Summit Planning Committee, made up of 17 students from the B.B. Russell School, has arranged programs that specifically illustrate the resources available to young people. The Planning Committee meets twice a week to plan the summit.

The theme of this year’s youth summit is “The Future is Ours.”  In line with that theme, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., attendees can get a thorough overview of higher education options and opportunities by participating in “Early High School 101

Workshop.” Led by Massachusetts Promise Fellow Ashley Lesperance, the workshop

is aimed at students in grades 7-11. Lesperance currently serves with ACCESS, a Boston-based non-profit.  Space for this workshop is limited to 100 people.  Online pre-registration for this session will be available, but capped at 50 people.  Those interested in attending this workshop can also sign up at the summit.

Troy Juarez, Jr., of the Homeless by Choice Tour will be the key note speaker. Juarez will share his story of being a homeless teen at age 14 to a college graduate and business owner.

Other activities include: a youth carnival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring DJ Pup Dawg of JAMN 94.5 FM, college and community resources, activities and giveaways; and breakout sessions.  Free lunch will be provided.

Online registration for the 13^th Annual Mayor’s Youth Summit is now open.  Participants can register online or at any Brockton Public Library branch or Brockton Public Schools’ middle or high school front office. Registration forms will also be available at Trinity Catholic Academy, Cardinal Spellman High School, and Southeastern Regional Vocational-Technical High School. Please register by Friday, March 23^rd.

Brockton agencies offering programs and services to youth are invited to participate in the youth carnival portion of the Youth Summit.   Limited spaces are still available. To request a space, call Massachusetts Promise Fellow Yves Singletary at (508) 897-6821or e-mail: ysingletary@cobma.us. Singletary currently serves in the Office of Mayor Linda M. Balzotti.

Community Connections of Brockton will also host the South Shore Parent Leadership Conference at West Middle School from 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 31^st.

To learn more about the 13^th Annual Mayor’s Youth Summit, contact Massachusetts Promise Fellow Yves Singletary or click here.