Councilman Bryant applauds youth summer program

MANSFIELD, OH--Councilman At Large, Don Bryant, extended his support for the Student Achievement Leadership Training Summer Program, a program sponsored by Mansfield UMADOP.
 
The Student Achievement Leadership Training Summer Program or SALT for short; seeks to provide work readiness, career planning, work experience and leadership skills for youth who reside in Mansfield. Eligible participants are between the ages of 16-19 years old at the start of the program.
 
According to organizers Issac David and Todd Hoovler, the program will accommodate 10 students and will last 8 weeks.

​The group will be operating on a four day class week with field trips, team building as well as guest speakers, and presentations. Participants will work on projects approximately 16-20 hours a week, and will work with various community partners, providing labor and skill development. An overarching goal of the program is to ensure that the participants have the skills and understand the employment process as well as job retention, increased school attendance, as well as establish and reinforce positive social behaviors.
 
“I have always been a supporter of the summer job corps program that we once had in Mansfield. Although this is not only about summer work for our youth, it is a step forward on youth policy for Mansfield, said Councilman Bryant.

​“It is my hope that the city will once again reinstate the job corps program and extend the opportunity to 50-100 youths in Mansfield. But, that is my long-term goal. In the meantime, a program such as SALT, would benefit the community overall by providing the opportunity for young people to not only focus on important projects, but to also learn from mentors and gain exposure to a variety of work environments.”
 
Todd Hoovler said the majority of the program is funded by UMADOP, and they are also seeking funding from the Richland County Foundation.