Members of the Transportation Equity Workgroup, youth mentorship participants, SDOT Interim Director Adiam Emery, and SDOT staff smile at a recent event in Seattle. Photo: SDOT Blog stats: 450 words | 2-minute read
Nine people from our first-ever youth mentorship pilot program started meeting once a week in July to learn about SDOT programs and initiatives with a focus on supporting leadership and advocacy skills.
Top highlights included:
- An interactive game activity rooted in transit and childhood memories
- A walking tour to Pike Place Market with stops and presentations from SDOT staff
- Group conversations about climate, safety, and community investments with insight from subject matter experts
- A trip to Seattle City Hall to meet Councilmembers Rinck, Saka, Hollingsworth, and Strauss
The effort, which concluded last week, was a collaboration with our Office of Equity and Economic Inclusion and the Transportation Equity Workgroup.
The Transportation Equity Workgroup is made up of community members from across Seattle and King County who meet regularly to advise SDOT on transportation policies, so communities that have not received enough support in the past can be better served by our department.
The workgroup does not have youth members (people under the age of 18), so workgroup members wanted to explore creative ways to engage young people this year. After two years of planning and preparation, the Youth Mentorship Pilot Program launched! Workgroup members and our staff invited local youth through community networks to apply.
The pilot included engaging content and fun activities for youth and adults alike. Here are some quotes shared by the youth, in their own words.
“The program by far exceeded my expectations and…it was a very valuable experience.”
“I really loved the program and hope to join again and keep in contact with the staff.”
“I see the world in a different way now in being more aware from a transportation perspective as well learning about the Find It, Fix It app that is a very useful tool.”
We are grateful to community members inside and outside of SDOT for their support in launching the pilot program. We will evaluate the pilot and work together with the Transportation Equity Workgroup on next steps as we develop plans for future years.
If you’d like more information about this pilot or know youth in your life who would be interested in similar opportunities, please reach out to transportationequity@seattle.gov. Thank you!