The City of Mesquite is offering two opportunities for teens aimed at fostering civic engagement and leadership development. Under the City’s Youth Services division, the Mesquite Youth Council and Summer Internship Program are accepting applications from March 1-31. Students who participate in these initiatives get the chance to engage with their community, get a behind-the-scenes look at how local businesses and government operate and meet like-minded youth across Mesquite.

Winding down its first year, the Mesquite Youth Council provides high school teens who reside in Mesquite with a platform to voice their ideas, address youth-related issues and affect positive change in their community. Additionally, the Youth Council serves as an advisory body to City leadership, offering recommendations on policies and programs that impact young residents. Participants have the opportunity to network with peers, earn volunteer hours, help with meaningful community projects and use their service in the Council as a strong addition to a job or college application.

The Summer Internship Program (SIP) provides eligible students the opportunity to acquire the skills and training necessary to transition into college and future careers by placing teens, ages 16-18, in an internship with local businesses, nonprofits or the City of Mesquite. These teens can earn $13 per hour for their work and will receive a letter of recommendation, a certificate of completion and a City of Mesquite leadership recognition upon completion of the program. Students interested in learning more and applying to the SIP and Youth Council can visit www.cityofmesquite.com/YouthServices.