This initiative supports Mayor Welch's Pillar for Progress: Education & Youth Opportunities. Learn more about Mayor Welch's five Pillars for Progress and six Principles for Accountable and Responsive Government at www.stpete.org/vision. 

AWARENESS. OPPORTUNITY. LISTENING. LEADERSHIP.

We are building a safe St. Pete where our kids have the resources they need to thrive.

As a Pillar for Progress - Education & Youth Opportunity - is at the foundation of our mission. St. Pete's youth are the future of our city, and having programs and resources in place to keep kids safe and help them succeed is critical. Not only do we need to meet their basic needs - safe housing, access to healthy and affordable food, and quality education - but we need to ensure they feel empowered to explore their interests and most importantly...have fun!

Mayor Welch affirms his commitment to the City’s youth, their families, and the community with a multi-pronged initiative with a fourfold plan that centers around awareness, opportunity, listening, and leadership.

A Message from the Mayor's Office

Awareness: A Focus On Summer Programming

Summer is an important time for kids. Without school as an activity, it's crucial their time is used positively and wisely. The City strives to empower youth with enriching activities to explore their interests while having fun.

Fun.

• Learn to Swim

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• Play A Sport

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• Learn To Golf

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• Join A Camp

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Enrichment.

• Grow A Garden

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• Summer Reading

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• Explore Tech Camps

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• Get Outside

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Safety.

• Not My Child

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Opportunity: Important Dates For Youth

Thursday, May 25 - Last Day of School
Friday, May 26, 6 p.m. - Not My Child Community Canvass
Saturday, May 27 - City Pools Open
Saturday, May 27 - Summer Reading Kick Off
Tuesday, May 30 - Summer Food Programs begins
Tuesday, May 30 - Therapeutic Recreation Summer Camp begins
Friday, June 2 - Flick & Float, Minions at Northwest Pool
Friday, June 9 - Flick & Float, Lightyear at Jennie Hall Pool
Thursday, June 15 - TASCO Games Showdown
Friday, June 16 - Flick & Float, Hotel Transylvania at Shore Acres Pool
Thursday, June 22 - SWAT Sand Blast at North Shore Beach
Friday, June 23 - Flick & Float, Puss In Boots at North Shore Aquatic
Thursday, June 30 - Flick & Float, Strange World at Lake Vista Pool
Friday, July 7 - Flick & Float, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 at Fossil Park
Thursday, July 13 - Battle of the Bay
Friday, July 14 - Flick & Float, Rumble at Childs Park Pool
Friday, July 21 - Flick & Float, DC League of Super Pets at E.H McLin Pool
Friday, July 28 - Flick & Float, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile at Walter Fuller Pool

Mayor Welch Saying Hi!

Mayor Welch will be stopping by camps, pools, and events throughout the summer to say hi and make sure our kids are having fun and getting the most out of these programs. Here are some photos that make us smile:

Listening: It Takes A Village - Community Conversations 

Helping our young people succeed requires input and involvement from them and everyone who touches their lives—parents, family members, neighbors, teachers, the faith community, business owners, non-profits, community leaders, and elected officials. Soliciting ideas and opinions from constituent groups is critical to determining next steps for addressing the Education and Youth Opportunities Pillar for Progress.

In June, City staff will begin scheduling multiple sessions for Mayor Welch to conduct with youth and parents/caregivers. Some gatherings will be invitation-only, some will be open to the public; all sessions will range in size and format.

Leadership: Looking for a New Director to Lead the Way

A search for a new Director of Education and Youth Opportunities is underway. The person hired for this role will report directly to Leisure Services Administrator Michael Jefferis and will be responsible for the coordination and direction of activities and programs affecting educational and youth opportunity relationships between the City, the community, and other federal, state, and local agencies. www.stpete.org/jobs

Paid Internship: Accepting Applications for Sustainability Intern

The Office of Sustainability and Resilience is offering a temporary, paid student internship opportunity. Work involves assisting the department on researching and implementing projects focused on environmental stewardship of resources, major capital improvements, and other related projects across various facilities with an emphasis on sustainability and resiliency. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 2. www.stpete.org/jobs