College credit plus poly science class

EUCLID, Ohio-- Thomas A. Edison once said, "The value of an idea lies in the using of it," and that is exactly what students in Dr. Josh Stephens' College Credit Plus Political Science class recognize. As part of their curriculum, students split up into four teams to come up with ideas on how to improve our city. They then took their ideas to City Hall and presented them to Mayor Gail and city leaders.

Maren Barwick, Takiya Burch, Quenaysha Copes, and Shanique Woods recognized a need for communication and outreach to Euclid teenagers, they called their presentation "Connecting Euclid." They saw a lack of communication with teens as an issue they thought could easily be addressed. One of their suggestions was for the City of Euclid to create an Instagram account. Almost immediately following their presentation, the City did just that! Two other suggestions included the city working with EHS to share news on the morning announcements and more bulletin boards at popular places teens visit.

Evan Botzki, Zoe Gatewood, Mia Casteel, and Emoni Rattliff believe that a "Community Outreach Task Force" to provide youth with productive vocational and artistic opportunities. They emphasized the need for vocational opportunities for students who are not college bound. They believe that it would be beneficial to both the city and youth "connecting young  citizens who can replace an aging workforce."

Tosheania Phoenix, Christin Pondexter-Shields, and Janya Robinson developed an idea called "Euclid's Mental Health Walk" as part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Walks held annually throughout the country. Their project illustrates how the youth in our community see an immediate need to assist those who struggle with mental illness.

Jeremy Morton, La'Nisha Givens, and Courtney Herrod want people to "Stop and Shop" to support small business and nurture big dreams. Their plan builds on things the city is already doing at the Euclid Farmers Market to increase visitation and sales. Their idea is to promote local and minority-owned businesses as well as the vendors who traditionally sell their goods at the Farmer's Market in order to strengthen the local economy. Their plan includes applying for grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, and several others to help drive the Farmer's Market to be an engine of local economic growth.

Not only were their ideas well thought out, they were able to eloquently share their vision through impressive presentations. Members of Mayor Gail's administrative team as well as members of city council spoke with the groups in order to refine their visions and see how the city can connect with its youth and provide them with the services and events they desire. This is the fourth year Dr. Stephens has had his students present to the mayor and council and it represents an important way for the city's youth to feel involved with their city and for the city to be able to hear directly from its residents.