Youth Development
Our Vision
Mattoon nurtures its young residents, encourages them to be actively involved in the community and offers them unique opportunities to explore who they are, develop their skills and discover their passion.
The Youth development committee has divided into two distinct sub-groups.
Energized Partnership group is a sub-committee which has made significant gains to strengthen partnerships within the community.
The Youth Council group is comprised of two of our community members in the Youth Committee, as well as youth who are enrolled in our local high school. Each member of the Youth Committee is nominated for the council by peers and faculty.

Recent Accomplishments
Douglas-Hart
ClassE
Leader in Me

Strategies
Strategies
Possible Projects
MHS Organizations Engaging Youth
Notable Youth Links
Strategies
- Creative enhancement and development in fine arts.
- Create hangout locations for teens.
- Bring shop class back to middle and high school.
- Develop more innovative programs like Class E (youth entrepreneur program).
- Offer more after-school programs that support “Latchkey kids”.
- Create more programs that connect youth with adults ( possible project: mentorship programs for adults to train, lead and teach youth).
- Develop a program to match scholarships to low-income teens.
- Offer a variety of youth activities year round.
- Create more appealing drug and alcohol prevention programs.
- Develop designated youth areas.
- Positive police interaction with kids starting in elementary school.
Possible Projects
- Establish a team/committee to organize activities.
- Encourage youth to lead and organize activities.
- Develop transportation to and from activities (Dial-a-Ride).
- Offer parent/child activities.
- Expand school game night into the community.
- Leverage current youth programs and make them available to all.
- Work with school and businesses to partner on evening events.
MHS Organizations Engaging Youth
Notable Youth Links