A new initiative aimed at educating and empowering young leaders in Berks County launched this week. Berks4Peace, in partnership with the Berks Youth Voter Initiative, has introduced the first-ever Berks Youth Civic Project, a nonpartisan program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for civic leadership.
The program kicked off Friday with two sessions at local high schools, a morning session at Governor Mifflin High School and afternoon session at Reading High School.
The initiative connects students with prominent community leaders for discussions on civic responsibility, voter engagement, and pathways to leadership. Guest speakers include State Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Reading City Councilman Jaime Baez, Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera, and School Board Director Shaykayarira Delrio Gonzalez. Other participants include Angelique Hinton, Executive Director of PA Youth Vote; Sheree Haubrich of the NAACP and Berks Youth Voter Initiative; Edna Garcia-Dipini, Executive Director of RIZE; and Alexiyani Williams, a youth advocate with RIZE.
“This initiative is not about politics—it’s about participation,” said Edna Garcia-Dipini, Executive Director of RIZE. “By equipping young people with civic knowledge and leadership skills in a nonpartisan setting, we are ensuring they understand the power of their voice and how they can positively impact their communities.”
The program features civic education workshops covering voting rights, public policy, and government engagement. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with elected officials, explore leadership opportunities, and participate in voter registration efforts led by the PA Youth Voter Initiative.
The initiative aligns with RIZE’s broader mission to support at-risk youth by offering leadership and civic engagement opportunities that inspire positive change. Berks4Peace, which was founded in 2021 as a response to youth violence, continues to work with local organizations to promote community-based solutions that prioritize safety and inclusivity for all children.
In addition to this civic engagement effort, Berks4Peace is preparing for National Youth Violence Prevention Week, which runs from April 25 to May 1, 2025. The weeklong event encourages communities to come together to raise awareness and support strategies for reducing youth violence.
Berks Youth Voter Initiative, a key partner in the new civic project, is a nonpartisan collaboration focused on elevating youth voices, strengthening civics education in public schools, and increasing youth participation in the democratic process.
Organizers hope the Berks Youth Civic Project will inspire students to take an active role in shaping their communities and engaging with civic life in meaningful ways.
