It’s back to school time for Atlanta Public School graduates of the Mayor’s Youth Program. The halls of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency have been crowded with excited students who are meeting with Mayor Shirley Franklin and AWDA Executive Director, Deborah Lum to discuss final plans for their transition to either two or four year colleges, universities and technical schools. Most colleges and universities in the State of Georgia begin classes in mid August. To date, 400 students have met with Mayor Franklin to discuss their unmet needs for tuition assistance, books, or room and board. In addition to financial assistance, supplies that are required by some colleges such as lap top computers, musical instruments, etc., are made available to students.

The Mayor’s Youth Program has followed their progress throughout their senior year in high school to assist them with the daunting process of researching schools and colleges, making applications, taking entrance tests, writing application essays, and applying for scholarships and financial aid. To help them to begin the process of career development, 1288 students had paid internships with 100 Atlanta businesses and non-profit organizations this past summer.

Also participating in the Mayor’s Youth Program this past year were the sons and daughters of City of Atlanta employees. These students graduated from 47 different high schools from other metropolitan Atlanta school systems. Good luck to you all!