Detroit’s Shadow Program gives young people an intimate view of the city’s inner workings

For a second year, a career program that allows fresh graduates to shadow officials in the Detroit government is coming back.

DETROIT (FOX 2):The second iteration of Detroit’s Shadow Program, which allows youth and recent graduates to see how the real world functions, is now underway.

They observe how Detroit’s employees go about their daily work, respond to citizens, and ensure that the government functions as efficiently as possible.

Local viewpoint:

Jason James submitted his application after spotting a chance to gain practical experience.

He is now gaining a close-up look at the type of job that keeps Detroit functioning. However, he also has his own objectives in mind.

“I’m hoping to learn a little bit more about the financial literacy field,” stated James.

That is the aim of Detroit’s Shadow Program, which allows young people to experience what it’s like to work for the city.

“Every student completes the curriculum once. They will shadow for one day, which will essentially be an ordinary workday, according to Logan Newman. “You come in at 10 a.m., you leave at 3 p.m. and you treat it like a regular work day.”

Newman coordinates outreach for affairs. The behind-the-scenes experience is valuable, he claimed.

Overview:

For Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods’ District 5 deputy manager, Keith Butler, the Shadows program is about uplifting youth.

“We want our young people to see the day-to-day process of how we handle issues in the neighborhood, how we respond to our residents that may have issues or things going on and then the bureaucracy behind the scenes of how you get things taken care of for your residents,” he stated.

For those who take part, the program is free. It covers disciplines like human resources, public works, and the law department and is open to those between the ages of 18 and 25.

The deadline for applications is February 14.

“This is the most important thing to me is to give that to the next generation so that we can continue to grow this beautiful city,” stated Butler.

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