Bronx, NY – On Tuesday, May 30th Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson launched her first-ever Bronx Youth Council for a Civic Engagement Summit at Bronx Borough Hall located at 851 Grand Concourse. Comprised of students in grades 9-12 from across the borough, the goal of the BYC is to provide a space for students to share their insights on some of the prevalent challenges impacting the Bronx. The BYC will act as an advisory board to the Borough President and work together with the education team to expand opportunities for youth engagement in the Bronx.
“Our goal is to empower a new generation of leaders,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Through the Bronx Youth Council, we want to encourage youth civic engagement. Our participating students will learn how to identify issues in their communities and learn about the tools and resources available to effect change. I want to thank our school principals and program directors who participated, demonstrating their commitment to seeing our young people succeed.”
During the meeting Borough President Gibson shared her journey to her current position, beginning as an intern to the late, former State Assembly Member of the Bronx’s 77th District and her record of service in the NYS Assembly and NYC Council. The Borough President also heard from the students about their concerns regarding school safety, mental health and what they feel their communities need.
The first cohort of the Bronx Youth Council will serve during the school year 2023-2024 and will have the opportunity to research policy issues, develop service projects and plan youth centered events based on the issues they care about.