Rogers mayor’s Youth Academy works to help students who are unhoused or in transition

ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — More than 350 students in the Rogers public school system are unhoused or are currently in transitional housing according to the district’s social work program and participants in the Mayor’s Youth Academy are working to help them.

Students in the academy were at Railyard Live at the Butterfield stage Friday night, asking people to write words of encouragement and spreading the word of the grab-and-go bags donation drive.

“Everyone likes encouragement and uplifting words, so I think it’s very important that we give those to kids who probably don’t get a lot of encouragement or support,” said Amelie Auxier, a junior at Rogers Heritage High School and a participant in MYA.

People can donate hygiene products, household items, and snack foods.

Auxier says the vendors they reached out to, and some community members have already donated some items.

Auxier joined MYA because she liked the idea of teens being able to be involved in something.

“I just thought I would give it a try, and just see what it’s about, and mainly for the experiment and the community involvement,” Auxier said.

She says drives like these are important because some kids have to worry about small necessities like body wash and a toothbrush.

“I just don’t think that’s fair. It shouldn’t be a thought in your mind if you’re gonna be able to brush your teeth or wash your body,” Auxier said.

The MYA is made up of juniors and seniors from both of Rogers’ high schools.

Currently, 19 students are participating this school year according to Peter Masonis, public relations manager for the city of Rogers.

“It’s a great opportunity for them. It’s not just to learn about local government, but they get to build good skills. They get to build teamwork. They get to build leadership skills,” Masonis said.

He says this is the first time the academy held a drive like this.

“It’s a very worthy cause, and it’s something that the mayor’s office feels important,” Masonis said.

Auxier is urging the community to be nice and uplifting to others because you never know what problems they are facing.

“Especially for people who need it, they need to know someone cares about them and there’s someone who’s there for them,” Auxier said.

The MYA will be at the Railyard Live at Butterfield Stage on May 4, May 10, and May 11.

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