The City of Reading proudly celebrated the achievements of local youth as they graduated from the 2024 Mayor’s Summer Youth Initiative Program on Thursday, August 15, at the Berks Fire Training Center. The program, which provided 50 local students with invaluable hands-on technical and vocational training over an 8-week period, culminated in an ceremony attended by Mayor Eddie Morán, city officials, and proud family members.
The Mayor’s Summer Youth Initiative Program, designed to develop job-ready skills and offer on-the-job training experiences, required students to commit to 20 hours of training each week. The program focused not only on equipping the youth with professional skills but also on fostering personal growth, paving the way for their future careers.
During the ceremony, Mayor Eddie Morán reflected on his own experiences as a participant in a similar program during his youth in New York City, emphasizing the lasting impact these opportunities can have. “Seeing each and every one of you, I see myself growing up. Early on, I realized that if I wanted to go places, I had to do my part, and I appreciate that you decided to do your part. I remember when I was in New York and participated in their summer youth program. It was something I looked forward to every year, not only because it was an extra source of income, but because I knew that it was exposing me to opportunities and helping me for the future,” Mayor Morán shared.
He also expressed his gratitude to the participating students, highlighting the significance of their commitment to the program. “I personally wanted to say thank you to the 50 students from the Reading School District, Berks Catholic, online schools, and homeschooling. 41 of our students are still in high school, either going into their senior or junior year. I am happy to say that my program introduced them to post-secondary education, visiting Reading Area Community College and Alvernia.”
The Mayor took a moment to recognize several students who have completed the program and are on the verge of starting college or entering the workforce full-time. “Some of these individuals are graduating this year and preparing to go to college or full-time work in the coming weeks. The other three students are taking on full-time positions in the local workforce.”
Among the graduates, Efrain Boniooa, a senior at Reading Senior High and a member of the football team, reflected on his experience working in Human Resources during the program. “This year I worked in HR and also worked in planning for the second half, so it’s really been a good experience. We had a big project to work on with some old files, finished that early, and worked on another project organizing files. It was a fun job and definitely something to do in the summer, but it’s not exactly something I’m considering as a career. Everyone I worked with had great energy.”
Another participant, Carlos Torres, who is entering his junior year at High Point Baptist Academy, shared his experience working with the city’s Public Works department. “I worked for Public Works, which involved a lot of going around the community, just cleaning up trash, painting, and bonus little stuff that you see. It was hard work, but everyone was fun to work with.”
The Mayor’s 2024 Summer Youth Initiative Program not only provided students with practical job skills but also instilled a sense of community and civic responsibility. The success of the program, reflected in the students’ achievements and the positive experiences they’ve shared, underscores its importance in preparing Reading’s youth for future success.
