Resident praises Roanoke City Teen Apprenticeship program after son's summer placement at Belmont Library

A resident speaking during public comment said her son, Sebastian, completed the Roanoke City Teen Apprenticeship Program and is working this summer at the Belmont Library, calling the placement evidence the program connects young people to paid work and mentorship.

"My son Sebastian participated in the Roanoke City Teen Apprenticeship Program and now he is working for the summer at the Belmont Library," the resident said, adding that the program "shows that the kids that they're not alone" and that, from the city's perspective, the participants "are worthy to be poured into and worthy of opportunities and futures that can be bright and beautiful."

The resident described the apprenticeship as an eight-week program that provides training and preparation before participants begin a placement. "The training that they get from the 8 weeks that they have before they come to us is a huge help ... to just start off the working relationship," she said, adding that apprentices learn leadership and conversation skills and that staff enjoy working with them.

She emphasized that the apprentices are paid and that the experience brings energy and joy to staff. "He learned just different parts about the city, but he really enjoyed every week getting to meet with people. He enjoyed getting paid," the resident said.

The speaker also described a family tragedy to explain why the program matters for some participants. "In 2017, my youngest brother Nicholas Lee was murdered here in Roanoke City and that loss has been very difficult to go through and for my family," she said. She said the program's focus on youth affected by gun violence gives those young people opportunities and "a chance to talk about their stories and their tragedies with other people that know and care," and helps show them they are not alone.

The remarks were delivered as part of public comment; the transcript does not record any formal action, vote or response from city officials tied to the statement.