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Entering it’s second year, the POINT recently graduated 15 area youth who participated in the PR1 Youth Corp. Internship. For nine weeks, the interns identified resources in Palm River, participated in planning for the revitalization of their Community, started their own business venture and earned extra money!
The POINT’s goal for the PR1 Youth Corp. is to provide a unique, summer program for kids ages 12-15 that is not available elsewhere in Hillsborough County. “Interns in our program are exposed to technology in a fun and creative way, said Natalie Clamp, Director of Neighborhood Planning. Using their PDA’s, the students walk around the neighborhood identifying their locations and mark them using a mapping program. The data these kids produced will be used in the community planning process currently underway!”
Additionally, the interns brainstormed on a business venture they could run on their own and decided to sell snow cones all summer long in front of the POINT office. The youths were responsible for organizing shifts, ordering supplies and running day-to-day operations. They even ran weekly, staff meetings to discuss expenses, profits to date and any other staff issues. Overall, the PR1 interns were able to raise more than $600 in sales and generous donations! With the funds, the group decided to go to Wet N’ Wild in Orlando, Florida.
POINT’s Natalie Clamp is currently looking for funding to continue the program year-round. “These youths want something to do in their neighborhood—the PR1 Youth Corp. gives them the outlet they are looking for, while learning the responsibilities that come with having a summer job! What could be better than that?”
For information on how to apply, contact Natalie Clamp at the POINT office.
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