On January 30, 2021, Cleveland Job Corps Center students Jamesia Heath, Kiara Maye, and Juuan Pinson were selected to serve alongside eight Cleveland young adults between the ages of 18 – 26 in the Leaders of Tomorrow (LoT) Work Group. The purpose of the group is to ensure continued civilian oversite for community policing through youth civic engagement. The Leaders of Tomorrow Work Group is an opportunity for young people in Cleveland to discuss issues and develop solutions to policing-related issues that impact young people in Cleveland. These solutions will take the form of policy improvement recommendations that the Community Police Commission (CPC) will submit to the city and other stakeholders as outlined by the consent decree.

Commissioner guidance, interactive workshops, and group research projects are designed to help members develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed for members to become effective problem solvers and encourage future civic engagement (https://clecpc.org/leaders-of-tomorrow/).

Students serve a 24-month assignment for 10 hours per month in which they will be paid a monthly stipend. They commit to serving on the committee upon graduation from the Cleveland Job Corps. Harriet Hadley Business Community Liaison and Community Police commissioner (WHO) will mentor them to become esteemed advocates for their communities. Congratulations!!! We are so proud of you for standing up to embrace your civic duties!