Glendale Youth Alliance Kicks Off Summer Brush Program
 For thirty-three years in a row, young students enrolled in Glendale Youth Alliance’s Summer Brush Program have been cleaning dry and potentially fire-hazardous vegetation in Glendale.
On July 2, the organization officially kicked-off the program at the Cherry Canyon Trailhead, with Glendale City Manager Roubik Golanian, Glendale Fire Chief Jeff Brooks, Director of Community Services & Parks Onnig Bulanikian, other city officials, and GYA Board members in attendance.
During their first day of work, youth cleared one acre of brush along the trail and about two acres in the residential neighborhood on Vickers Drive, behind Montrose Park, making the area much safer ahead of the upcoming summer heat.
“By clearing hazardous vegetation, you're helping reduce wildfire risk and making Glendale safer for our residents, visitors, and first responders,” said Glendale Fire Chief Jeff Brook in his address to the young workers. “The work you do over the summer will directly contribute to protecting lives, homes, and our beautiful open spaces. Not everyone gets the opportunity to look back at the end of the day and say their work has made a community safer. You do.”
GYA’s Summer Brush Program is the original program founded alongside the GYA in 1993. The program offers paid work experience to youth ages 14-16. Most of the time, this is their first experience with employment.
“This program is near to my heart because this was my first job with GYA when I was 14!” said Karine Grigoryan, Executive Director of GYA. “It is hard work; it’s hot, but it’s also a fun and rewarding experience. You will build new skills, make lasting friendships, and take an important first step in your journey into the workforce!”
During the next six weeks, the Summer Brush Program will host forty participants from schools in Glendale, Burbank, and Greater Los Angeles County. Youth will work 160 hours and earn wages while learning the fundamental work skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
The Summer Brush Program is funded by Glendale Fire, Public Works, Glendale Water & Power, and Community Services & Parks Departments. Moreover, essential funding through the Los Angeles County Youth at Work Program and the Verdugo Workforce Development Board enables youth in our community to participate in this valuable program.
During the length of the program, “Youth Workers of the Week” who show exceptional effort and improvement will receive certificates and gift cards generously provided by Target, Baskin Robbins, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Look Dine-In Cinemas, and Moo Moo Mia Ice Cream.
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