City of Bloomington
Youth Programs
Where we seek to acknowledge, honor, teach and celebrate the youth in our city.
Youth Involvement & Programs
2022 Information Coming Soon!
The Teen Round Table is an opportunity for high school students to voice their opinion about issues affecting teens in our community and envision how they would like our community to look in the future. The Teen Roundtable will meet in person on October 23rd at the Monroe County Library from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm and via Zoom on October 24th from 1:00–2:00 pm.
Deadline: Oct 19, 2021
9th-12th Grade ONLY
The City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program will host the Summit via Zoom. Registered middle school and high school attendees will be excused from class to attend the event. Registration for the Summit is free of charge. Although focused on African American and Latina middle and high school-aged female-identifying students , all are welcome to attend. When registration has been completed and reviewed, a secure Zoom link will be sent to both the Parents' and Students' email accounts. Thursday, November 4, 2021 ᛫ 10:00 AM -2:00PM
Deadline: Nov 2, 2021
7th-12th Grade ONLY
Youth Participatory Budgeting (YPB) is a democratic process in which young community members decide how to spend part of a municipal budget. YPB gives young people real power to make real decisions over real money, fostering community engagement and civic awareness. Each student will receive an internship credit, official City of Bloomington package and certificate.
From December 2021- May 2022, Monroe County community members in grades 7-12 will brainstorm community improvement projects, develop concrete proposals, and vote on which project to put into action.
Deadline: Dec. 1, 2021
7th-12th Grade ONLY
Youth Contest & Awards
The City of Bloomington Black History Month Committee is seeking submissions from area students for the 2022 Black History Month Essay Contest. The theme for the 2022 Black History Month celebration is "Black Health and Wellness", takes a look at how American healthcare has often underserved the African-American community.
Prizes- First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: elementary (grades 4-6), middle (grades 7-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Homeschooled students are eligible to participate as well. First place essay winners will receive an iPad, second place winners will receive a $100 cash award, and third place winners will receive a $75 cash award.
Submit Essay Here or deliver/mail to 401 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN. ATTN: Community & Family Resources Department (CFRD)
Deadline: February 6, 2022
4th-12th Grade ONLY
The Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is given annually to two African American men and women, respectively from the following categories: high school and adult. The Outstanding Black Leaders of Tomorrow Award is presented each year at the Black History Month Gala Celebration in February.
The CSBM recognizes the importance of highlighting the outstanding contributions made by young African American men and women in our community for their outstanding leadership, scholarship, and involvement.
Thank you for taking the time to nominate someone for this award. The 2022 deadline for nominations is Sunday, February 6, 2022
Deadline: February 6, 2022
9th-12th Grade ONLY
The S.W.A.G.G.E.R. recognize Students Who Act Generously, Grow and Earn Respect. Generosity, personal growth, and the development of respect are abstract characteristics all youth have the opportunity to learn, yet rarely receive recognition for expressing. As a nominator, this award is intended to celebrate those hard working youth that may not otherwise have a chance to be recognized. We ask that you consider that student who represents SWAGGER yet does not have the opportunity to be awarded for such hard work. While we celebrate the achievements of all students, we want to offer an additional arena for students who may not have had an opportunity to be recognized. Please be concise in your nomination to ensure the judging committee may appropriately distribute awards."
Award submissions might include students who have volunteered at their church, school or in the community, assisted a friend or neighbor in need, working and attending school, mentoring a younger sibling/student, exemplifying a positive attitude among peers, showing respect for others and/or improving academically.
This award is for students who live or attend school within the geographical boundaries of the Monroe County Community School Corporation.
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2021
K-12th Grades
Adult to Youth Connections
Volunteer to read and score essays for the 2022 Black History Month Essay Contest.
Deadline: February 6, 2022
The City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program will host the Summit via Zoom. Registered middle school and high school attendees will be excused from class to attend the event. Registration for the Summit is free of charge. Although focused on African American and Latina middle and high school-aged female-identifying students , all are welcome to attend. When registration has been completed and reviewed, a secure Zoom link will be sent to both the Parents' and Students' email accounts. Thursday, November 4, 2021 ᛫ 10:00 AM -2:00PM
Deadline: Nov 2, 2021
Sponsor a Youth Program
For more information, please contact: Shatoyia Moss, Safe and Civil City Director, Community and Family Resources Department, mosss@bloomington.in.gov, 812-349-3430