During a recent government meeting in Mount Pleasant, officials celebrated the success of a youth internship program aimed at empowering local youth, particularly those from marginalized communities. The initiative, which has been supported by the late Jonathan Delagrave, emerged from an analysis identifying the challenges faced by Black Americans in Racine County.

The program has been a focal point for community investment, with the village allocating funds to support its operations. This year, the village took a significant step by hiring Bruce Smith, a local intern who engaged in various departments, including public works, human resources, and special events. His experience was designed to provide him with a comprehensive understanding of local government functions.

Matt Prochaska, who supervised Smith, highlighted the intern's contributions to organizing community events and emphasized the importance of providing youth with practical skills and insights into government operations. Prochaska noted that Smith's proactive approach and eagerness to learn set him apart from previous interns.

Alfonso Gardner, a key figure in the program's establishment, shared his personal motivation for creating the initiative, reflecting on the lack of summer job opportunities for youth in the area. He expressed pride in the program's growth over the past four years and reiterated the importance of supporting all youth, regardless of background.

Smith, a senior at St. Catharines High School, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared his aspiration to become a police officer, inspired by his experiences during the internship. The meeting concluded with the presentation of a certificate of completion to Smith, marking a significant milestone in his journey and the program's ongoing commitment to youth development in Racine County.