North Miami Leaders in Training Program

Program Purpose

The City of North Miami's Leaders in Training (LIT) Program, is designed to develop our city's next generation of public servants through higher education preparation, career readiness, and enhanced understanding of local civic processes. The program will serve as a pipeline and prerequisite for North Miami residents, grades 9 through 12, to transition into the City's signature Youth Opportunity Board (YOB) Summer Internship Program. Upon completing the program's hands-on professional leadership training, participants will gain soft skills needed to succeed in any profession.

This initiative was created by Councilman Alix Desulme in collaboration with Patricia Elizee, Esquire. The LIT Program is facilitated by Marilyn Paris-Lawson College Readiness Access and Motivational Services (CRAMS).

Program Components

LIT includes three focus areas:

• Career Readiness: Many young residents are in need of resources to help them identify a career focus. Few understand the preparation involved in landing the ideal job opportunity. Through exposure to various career paths in the field of public service, LIT provides practical guidance for cultivating hard and soft skills required for life-long professional success. LIT assists youth participants in identifying and matching their individual interests, talents, and skills with complimentary career opportunities. During this process participants receive a general overview of the responsibilities and functions of municipal government, by engaging with various department directors and learning their roles and contributions to the City of North Miami's daily operations.
• Civic Engagement: Through one-on-one interactions with the City of North Miami's elected officials and observation of government operations, LIT Program participants will be taught the fundamentals of government service, structure, and leadership. Youth will also witness firsthand North Miami's government practices and processes from the perspective of the City's elected leadership.
• Leadership Development: LIT program participants will be taught to recognize various professional leadership styles. Participants will learn how to apply these styles to chosen career interests and goals.

Application Requirements

1. Prior to LIT Program consideration, potential candidates must submit the application online.
2. Copies of the following documents are required to be submitted with your application:
   • Picture ID (driver's license/identification card/school ID)
   • Proof of Age (birth certificate)
   • Proof of Household Income
     • Last three consecutive pay check stubs (all house hold members who are 18 and older)
     • If unemployed, parents must fill out an unemployment affidavit; if no income, parents must submit a notarized affidavit certifying zero income
   • Proof of Residency (current water bill or Florida Power and Light bill)
   • Recent Tax Returns with corresponding W2
   • Resume
   • Two Reference Letters
3. Once chosen, you will be notified to attend, along with a parent or guardian, a mandatory program orientation to discuss participant expectations.
4. LIT Program candidates are required to successfully complete an 10-week training course.

Income Eligibility by Household Size

Effective April 19, 2018 - Established by Federal Guidelines - Subject to Change

Program Location

The program will take place every Saturday from 10 am to 1:30 pm at:
Joe Celestin Center
1525 NW 135 Street
North Miami, FL 33167

Dates to be announced.

Program Objectives

Throughout the program, participants you will develop skills and proficiency in the following areas:

• Business Etiquette
• Career Exploration
• City Council Structure
• Civic Engagement
• Customer Service Strategies
• Job Interview Skills
• Municipal Leadership
• Professional Attire
• Self-Assessment of Skills and Abilities
• Telephone Etiquette
• Time Management
• Workplace Organization

Youth completing the program successfully will receive certificates of participation from the City of North Miami.

Youth Opportunity Board Summer Internship Program

The Youth Opportunity Board of the City of North Miami is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is once again recruiting income eligible students for placement in paid internships with the City this summer. The internships will allow selected income eligible applicants who meet the below income limits an opportunity to learn and become involved in the workings of local government.

All currently enrolled high school students who are 16 years of age or older and are residents of North Miami, will also have to verify household income and assets. Interns will be paid 20 hours a week and have an opportunity to volunteer additional hours.

For more information about the Leaders in Training Program, please contact City of North Miami Community Planning and Development Department Community Education Coordinator, Pegy Boule, by phone at 786-332-5240, ext. 102, or email Pegy.