Placement: Special Presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
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Youth Council Update 2024-2025
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Submitted By: Stephanie Vernot, Community Engagement Manger
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a Smart & Connected City.
Executive Summary (General Business): Since December 2023, the Port St. Lucie Youth Council has served as a fact-finding body, amplifying the voices of local high school students and helping to shape City initiatives.
For the 2024/2025 term, the City Council introduced a more inclusive structure, helping the Youth Council grow significantly. This year, 47 members-high school students from grades 9 through 12 who live in Port St. Lucie -are working together to make a difference in the community.
To deepen engagement, two (2) specialized committees were formed this year: the High-Performance Public Spaces Committee and the Youth Recreation/Teen Programming Committee. These groups play a crucial role in providing feedback on major projects like the Naturally PSL Program and various Parks & Recreation initiatives.
Beyond committee efforts, Youth Council members have contributed valuable insights to community events, including Juneteenth celebrations, the 2025 Fall Fun Fest, and a proposed youth initiative led by the Police Department. Their impact extends to volunteer work, where they actively connect with residents, set up Youth Council booths, and conduct surveys at popular City events such as the Port St. Lucie International Festival, PSLinLights, Citizen Summit, and FAM Fest.
Looking ahead, we are now accepting applications for the 2025/2026 PSL Youth Council and the application period will be open until June 13, 2025.
Members of the 2024/2025 Youth Council will give a short presentation about their progress this year and play a short video.
Presentation Information: 15 minutes
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: YCUpdatetoCityCouncil_2025
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