On Monday, February 29, more than 20 youth from the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL) were given a first-hand look at local government through an empowering career-development program, Lockheed Martin PAL Day at City Hall.

The PAL students joined Mayor Jim Kenney, City Representative Sheila Hess and other public officials in a morning kickoff ceremony in the Mayor’s Reception Room. For 2016 PAL Day at City Hall, the students represent PAL centers from across the city including sites in North, Northeast, South, Southwest and West Philadelphia, as well as Germantown, Port Richmond and Tacony. PAL Center youths are given an oath of office, recognizing and appointing them “Honorary Public Officials” for the day.

Once they left the morning program, PAL students spent the day with their City mentors, learning first-hand about civics, job responsibilities and the dedication required to operate the City of Philadelphia. In the past, participants have had the chance to sit in on planning meetings, visit firehouses, attend Council session, and more. This year’s event marks the first with the City’s new Mayoral administration.

You can keep up with the PAL Students and their City mentors by following the event’s hashtag: #LMPALDayAtCityHall