North Little Rock staff, participant and employer praise Mayor Summer Youth Program; applications due May 1

A city staff member said the Mayor Summer Youth Program in North Little Rock places 16- to 24-year-old high school and college students in city departments including parks, police and fire to provide first work experience and a pathway into the workforce. The staff member called the program “outstanding” and encouraged residents and students to apply.

Allan, identified in the record as a former Mayor Summer Youth Program worker, told the meeting, “Through the mayor summer youth program, I was able to pick up a lot of soft skills ... that most jobs are looking for when you're coming out of college.” He said the job helped him balance school and work with a flexible schedule and that it had been “an amazing experience,” adding that the role gave him something to put on his resume that set him apart from other applicants.

A representative of a local accounting firm said the company hired Allan after his internship. The representative said they met Allan on campus and noted his communication skills, confidence, punctuality and teamwork. “We’re excited to have Allan, real proud that he's going to be coming back to work for us,” the representative said, and credited the Mayor Summer Youth Program with giving Allan “real life work experience” that helped secure the hire.

The staff member closed by urging applicants to apply before the listed deadline. According to the record, the application period closes May 1. Applicants may apply online (the transcript lists the URL as "www.nlr./job") or in person at the City Services Building, 700 West 29th Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas. The staff member said the office is available to assist applicants in person.

There were no votes or formal actions recorded in the transcript. The discussion consisted of a program overview, participant testimony, employer remarks and a final announcement about how and when to apply.