On February 13th, 39 youngsters “PAL-ed” around with government officials and experienced life in the workplace at the 49th Annual PAL Day at City Hall presented by Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association, an empowering career-development program. The PAL students joined Mayor Jim Kenney, City Representative Sheila Hess, PAL representatives and public officials in a morning ceremony that included a mock “swearing in” ceremony by Idee C. Fox, President Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, a speed networking exercise and group photos with Mayor Jim Kenney. Following the morning program, the PAL students had the opportunity to shadow their assigned city official for the day and witness first hand what a day working for the city government is like.
After the PAL students spent the day with their city officials, they participated in a panel discussion with Jovida Hill, Executive Director, Office of Engagement for Women, Ricardo Calderon, Director, Office of Youth Engagement and Jeannette Bavwidinsi, Office of Civic Engagement & Volunteer Services. The panel discussion gave the students additional insight in how to get involved with city government through commission and volunteer work.
The Police Athletic League (PAL) is “Coping Helping Kids.” PAL’s mission is to be the premier youth-serving organization in they city, by reducing crime, promoting character development and improving educational outcomes. PAL does his by having Philadelphia Police Officers, supported by civilians, offer sports and other programs to youth in PAL centers in some of the city’s highest crime and lowest income neighborhoods. PAL Centers are safe havens, offering a variety of programs and other events to attract, engage and develop an active membership base of more than 10,000 Philadelphia youth.
Photos from the 49th Annual PAL Day at City Hall, can be found here.