Nine cities across the state of Georgia were recognized for creating positive community change through effective civic engagement and collaboration. Broken down into three population size groups, Lawrenceville represents one of three cities in the large category (25,000 and over). The City of Lawrenceville was recognized for its involvement in the Summer of Impact Internship Program in partnership with Impact46 and local high schools.
The Summer of Impact, an eight-week program connecting businesses with students from Lawrenceville high schools, was established in 2018 by change advocates who saw a need for youth engagement. Leaders from the city, schools, and Impact46 united to provide internships for students with local businesses to increase awareness through community engagement, while also teaching the value of civic mindedness. Their vision was within five years, every student will be given the opportunity to discover their God-given purpose, passion and influence. In three years, nearly 50 interns have gone through the summer program.
“The City of Lawrenceville is immensely proud of the Summer of Impact Program provided through Impact46 and is honored to be named a 2022 Visionary City by our participation,” said Mayor David Still. “Lawrenceville thrives when we come together. By investing in our youth, we invest in the future of Lawrenceville.”
In 2020, the Summer of Impact team added a pipeline and recruitment event called “Love Lawrenceville Day” which introduces sophomores and juniors to local businesses, as well as informs them on important areas involving local civics, an area identified as a key need for today’s youth. Value in the program greatly benefits the students, but the business partners benefit from their time spent collaborating and mentoring students during “Love Lawrenceville Day” and over the eight-week period.
“Created to eliminate the opportunity gap, the Summer of Impact Program also provides training for our next-generation workforce through paid internships,” said Jen Young, Executive Director for Impact46. “What began as a small internship to change the lives of students has grown to change our community. The Visionary City award shows how Lawrenceville pictures our growth as the county seat and I am so very proud to be a part of it as we continue to provide opportunities and impact our community.”
As we look toward the future and continue building up the next generation, the Summer of Impact and similar programs provide an opportunity to thrive for students and businesses alike. The City is proud of the partnership and support of youth engagement in the community that aids and enriches young minds and continues to bring together community partners, tremendously impacting the City of Lawrenceville’s engagement with residents, schools and local businesses.
In addition to being recognized during GMA’s Cities United Summit, winning cities will be highlighted in the February issue of Georgia Trend. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its 538 member cities.
