First, let me say that the Mayor’s Youth Program is the best program I know. I became aware of the Mayor’s Youth Program last year through a family. At the time, I was a high school senior preparing for college. My friend knew I was preparing for college and needed financial help. We called, made an appointment and came down to the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency. Before long, the program offered me a summer internship opportunity pertaining to my major. I had the most fun interning at one of the best engineering firms, Parsons, during that summer. The best part of it all was that I was being paid for doing what I loved!

Just as the summer was drawing to an end and as I began worrying about how I was going to complete my tuition, I received another call from the Mayor’s Youth Program staff asking about my financial situation. I brought my financial aid award letter to AWDA and I received the miracle I had been praying for. The Mayor’s Youth Program completed my tuition, gave me a laptop and bought my books. It was more than I had could have ever dreamed and I was so thankful. I finished my first year of college with no stress and I performed so well at school because I didn’t have the financial aid office nagging me to pay a debt.

When I came back home this summer, I could think of no better way to show my gratitude for all that Mayor Franklin and her staff are doing than to give some of my time by volunteering. When I came to AWDA last year to get my scholarship, laptop and other resources, I realized that while we (students) come and go, the staff members who sacrifice so much of their time and energy to make our transition successful could also use some help. Though I can never repay this program for all it does, I am so privileged for the opportunity to be able to serve such an amazing program. As a volunteer on the Mayor’s Youth Program, I have learned so much more about the program. I have learned that it is not just for high school seniors, but extends to college students and high school underclassmen. As I sit at the receptionist desk signing in students who have come in for assistance, I am amazed at the number of students from all grade levels who come in for internship opportunities, training opportunities and financial aid opportunities. Another reason why I find this program so amazing is that it actually follows the progress of its students as they go through college.

In December, the Mayor’s Youth Program organized a huge reunion for its students. Mayor Franklin’s words at the reunion helped reassure us that we can dare to dream bigger knowing that this program is there to support us whenever we need help. I am just honored to be part of such an excellent program and I thank God for such an opportunity.

Doris Tandongfor (L), a Mayor’s Youth Program Alumni
and Jonell Myers (R), a Mayor’s Youth Program staff member.