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Dayne Walling
Former Mayor | Flint, MI

National Service & Volunteer Accelerator

Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship

Problem

High youth unemployment rates signify the risk that a great majority of our young students are not prepared to contribute to the economy. Meanwhile, national and community service programs offer great opportunities to address pressing social issues while giving young adults experience that can help them learn how to participate.

Solution

Mayor Walling has created a new position of Chief Service Officer in his office to direct national service AmeriCorps, VISTA and community volunteers towards City priorities including safety, blight and education. The Flint National Service Accelerator is a multi-sector partnership that leverages Federal, State and local funds to provide more money for nonprofits to host service positions. The goal is to scale up service in Flint to create opportunities for youth and students that will give them a pathway to employment and higher education while at the same time bettering the community."