At-Risk Youth Overcome Obstacles on Path to Graduation
City Hosts Commencement Ceremony This Friday
June 20, 2019
The City of Tallahassee’s groundbreaking Tallahassee Engaged in Meaningful Productivity for Opportunity (TEMPO) youth program will celebrate its second cohort with a graduation ceremony on Friday, June 21, from 6-8 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 300 S. Adams St. City officials will conduct the commencement ceremony, recognizing the program’s second cohort participants and those who earned their GED certificate.
“The City of Tallahassee is actively connecting our community’s youth and underemployed with resources that will help them on the road to success and I am beyond proud to celebrate the young men and women who have completed the TEMPO program,” Deputy City Manager Cynthia S. Barber said. “Each has worked hard to achieve their dreams, be it a diploma or job. They have overcome obstacles, learned new skills and applied themselves in ways they never imagined they could.”
TEMPO began in 2017 as a community engagement and public safety youth program. Its goal is to reconnect disconnected youth to educational and employment opportunities. Data shows that disconnected youth – those age 16-24 who are out of work and out of school – are the most susceptible to crime as a victim, suspect or perpetrator. TEMPO connects participants with resources, including life coaching, mentoring, education, career training and local support options, such as childcare providers, self-help organizations and others. By tapping youth into this network, TEMPO has been described as a lifeline.
Immediately following the graduation ceremony, participants, as well as their friends and family members, will enjoy a reception in City Hall. Parking will be available in the Kleman Plaza Parking Garage. On-street parking is also available downtown; meters are free after 6 p.m.
For more information about TEMPO, visit Talgov.com/TEMPO.
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