As a parent, I know it can sometimes feel like a challenge to find rewarding, safe activities for our children during the summer months. That’s why I am pleased to join with the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) to make it easier for Indianapolis families to find these opportunities.
On April 8, I will host my second annual Youth Opportunities Fair along with the Marion County Commission on Youth and Shortridge Magnet High School. It will take place from 4-7 p.m. at Shortridge, and is free and open (no registration required) to anyone who wants to attend.
The goal of the Youth Opportunities Fair is to present students and parents with a variety of summer options so they can explore different possibilities before the end of the school year. In addition to job opportunities for our youth, this event will feature local service providers and other groups that offer youth summer programs, internships, volunteer opportunities.
Youth who volunteer and are engaged in the community not only help others, they also help themselves. According to childtrends.org, those who volunteer just one hour a week are 50 percent less likely to abuse drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes than those who do not volunteer. When coupled with school-based support, volunteering relates to a reduction in teen pregnancy, course failure, suspension from school, and school dropout, as well as an improvement in grades.
For two decades, MCCOY has been working to help empower every young person in Marion County to be successful. It’s a privilege to partner with them for this event. I hope you’ll join us on April 8 at Shortridge Magnet High School to find out more about what Indianapolis has to offer our young people this summer—and how they can give back to our great city.
For more information, visit Carson.house.gov.
