The City of Goodyear has joined forces with other West Valley cities and school districts to collaborate in educating staff, students, and community members on protocols, practices, drills, and information to stay safe during crisis situations on campuses across the region. The first of its kind in the west valley, the Consortium is comprised of three districts — Agua Fria High School District, Avondale Elementary School District, and Litchfield Elementary School District — who work with their cities’ fire and police departments, superintendents, administrators, educators, safety training professionals, and neighboring school districts to enhance protocols and raise awareness about safety measures. The mission is to ensure that the entire community around a school is informed on procedures and can collaborate with stakeholders to be prepared for unprecedented events. The group held its first annual Southwest Valley School Safety Summit in February 2023.
Community Engagement
GRC University
GRC-U is an opportunity for young adults to give back to their communities while gaining experience that prepares them for the workforce. Participants volunteer in various capacities in order to experience a well-rounded breadth of knowledge and capabilities. In addition to earning volunteer hours, participants engage in career readiness workshops. This program enables young adults to gain experience before entering the workforce and/or applying to college.
Goodyear Youth Commission
The Youth Commission is a unique opportunity for teens to experience how a local government operates. Participants develop leadership skills through engagement with city officials and departments. The format helps students to express their voices on a variety of youth-related issues such as recreation opportunities, special events, and youth programming. The Youth Commission meets monthly and is open to entering and current high school students in Goodyear.
Goodyear Fire Cadet Program
The Fire Cadet mentoring program is committed to partnering with volunteers to meet the needs of the department and community. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. During the program cadets complete EMT certification, work 18 hours/month (10 ride-along and 8 service), and attend monthly hands-on drill sessions with mentors.
Program Benefits:
- Experience real life fire fighter shift work
- Assist with patient care
- Hands-on training in firefighting skills, Haz-Mat, Ladder Operations, and EMS
- Job testing skills (interviews, application/resume review, firefighter philosophy, etc.)
Superior Youth Entrepreneurial Academy
The Superior Enterprise Center hosts an Entrepreneurial Academy for students in grades 7-12 each summer to foster entrepreneurism and social impact.
Mayor’s Youth Council
The council provides leadership opportunities for students to learn about the community and become involved in projects and initiatives in the Town of Superior.
