DDA Seeks Youth Input; Offers Free Space

The Downtown Development Authority has created two initiatives to develop entrepreneurship and community engagement amongst the youth of our community.

The Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) are available to all Jasper County students in grades seven through 12 who are enrolled in a homeschool program, private, or public school.

In an effort to support the financial literacy education and CTAE programs in our local schools, we are offering students in Jasper County an opportunity to create and sell their own products. The DDA is providing the students a 126 square foot, rent-free space in The Shoppes of Monticello to sell their items.

The student area will be available for students to decorate and install their merchandise at the beginning of November. A 12 percent commission will be assessed on each sale to offset the cost of utilities and staffing. Information sheets are available in local schools. Homeschool students may request materials from the DDA office.

The Youth Advisory Council is a youth-led organization that will advise the DDA on youth issues, engage in event and community planning, as well as complete a service project. The 13-member YAC will meet on a monthly basis in the DDA conference room located in the rear of 139 W. Washington Street. Interested students will need to complete an application and a brief interview.

Interested students may pick up applications or information sheets for both programs in their local schools or contact the DDA director, Michele Celani, at mcelanimonticellodda@gmail.com or call 762-435-4158.