Van Buren Township REAL program under way for young people

The Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) recently awarded Van Buren Township a $47,497 grant to fund a Summer Youth Job Initiative, THE REAL (Revealing Exceptionally Amazing Leaders). The project is now under way.
In a news release from the township, it was pointed out 35 students, ages 15-19, were selected to participate in the program which offers temporary, paid employment opportunities within sectors of VBT government.
The six-week initiative was designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop marketable skills in a real work environment through placements within two distinct roles: community ambassadors and junior organizational assistants.
Throughout the program, students will attend township board, commission and committee meetings and engage in morning “coffee break” sessions with management to review their accomplishments, receive/give constructive criticism, and evaluate the tasks at hand for the current workday.
Also scheduled are weekly “Lunch and Learn” sessions hosted by different township departments and designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of roles and responsibilities of each government sector.
Participation in the Summer Youth Job Initiative provides students with the opportunity to attend the MHA Young Professionals Day at COBO Center in Detroit on the last day of the program.