Gilbert leaders are constantly engaging in conversations and seeking ways to better help our youth, town officials said.  

Recently, Mayor Scott Anderson and Gilbert Police Youth Community Engagement Officer Emily King met with leaders from public, private, and charter schools as part of the Advancing Gilbert’s Education Team, a group convened to discuss the challenges facing today’s youth and to develop strategies that ensure their safety and success, especially for the new school year.  

The discussion covered topics ranging from campus safety to strategies to prevent teen violence and initiatives to expand access to higher education and future employment opportunities.

Town leaders highlighted existing programs and resources, such as the Gilbert Youth Leadership Academy and Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, stressing the importance of increasing community awareness. 

"Helping our kids succeed is one of the most important responsibilities we hold as a community,” Anderson said in a release. “When schools, families, and city leaders come together, we have the opportunity to create an environment where children are not only safe but also inspired to dream big and achieve more.” 

The group will continue meeting quarterly to address topics such as education pipelines, college readiness, internship and mentorship partnerships, infrastructure and transportation (including safe routes, broadband, and traffic flow), campus safety and teen violence, among other issues.  

The town is inviting school leaders interested in making a difference among our youth to join the next roundtable scheduled for early October. Those interested can email valerie.shaffer@gilbertaz.gov.