The City of Fishers is offering a series of educational opportunities for its youth to gain insights into local government and potential career paths through three upcoming programs: the Mayor’s Youth Academy, the Fishers Police Department Teen Academy, and the Fishers Health Department Teen Public Health Academy. These initiatives are free for participants and aim to provide students with hands-on experiences and insights into public service.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness emphasized the importance of engaging and educating young people in the community. “Investing in the education and engagement of our youth is essential for cultivating the next generation of community leaders, said Mayor Fadness in a city news release. “The City of Fishers is proud to offer these unique academies as a gateway for young people to gain hands-on experience in careers in government operations and public service. Through these programs, students have the opportunity to understand and contribute to the city they call home.”
The Mayor’s Youth Academy is designed for local high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an interest in public service. The program provides opportunities for students to work alongside Mayor Fadness and other city leaders on important issues facing the community. Participants will take part in behind-the-scenes tours and discussions on policy questions, culminating in a presentation to Fishers City Council in spring 2025. Registration for the 2024-2025 Mayor’s Youth Academy is open through June 28 on the city’s website.
The Fishers Health Department Teen Public Health Academy offers a one-week experience for high school students to explore various public health disciplines. Students will interact with health department staff and city officials while participating in activities such as retail food inspections, water sampling, and vector control. The program runs from July 15 to July 20, and registration is open through May 31.
The Fishers Police Department Teen Academy provides law enforcement training for students in grades 7 through 12 attending Fishers-based schools. The program covers roles and responsibilities of police officers and introduces students to specialized units and skills such as the K-9 Unit and crime scene investigation. The four-day program runs from July 8 to July 12, and applications are open through May 17.
These programs reflect Fishers’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of community leaders and providing youth with the opportunity to explore careers in public service. Interested students can find more information and register for the academies on the City of Fishers website.