Greater Phoenix Urban League and City of Peoria Launch Work Experience Program
Story by Gabriel Evans
At the start of 2025, the Greater Phoenix Urban League and the City of Peoria launched a paid, five-week job shadowing program aimed at increasing visibility into city government for young adults ages 18–21. Participants were matched with city departments—including Public Works, Office of Innovation, Water Services, Parks and Recreation, City Court, and Human Services—and worked directly alongside department leaders to get a real-world view of public service in action.
Participants earned $15 per hour and worked 20 hours per week, making the program not only accessible but also affirming the value of their time and contributions. One of the participants was Kennedy Gourdine, a senior at Arizona State University studying sustainability with a concentration in international development and a minor in urban planning.
What emerged from the program wasn’t just work experience, but mindset transformation. Kennedy shared that during her studies in sustainable cities in the classroom, she wondered why communities and cities haven’t embraced what may be defined as better, or more innovative planning and infrastructure. Soon into the program her question was answered:
“These things aren’t happening because they’re easy,” Kennedy said. “They’re not happening because they’re hard. That’s why I wanted to be part of this—so I could understand how real change actually gets done.”
Reflecting more on her experience, Kennedy gained a deeper appreciation for the unseen complexity of city government. What once seemed straightforward now looked like a careful balancing act.
“It was really eye-opening. I used to think it was as simple as introducing a good idea and expecting everyone to jump on board. But now I see how much coordination, communication, and compromise is involved. It gave me a new respect for how city government actually works.”
Kennedy’s experience underscores why programs like this matter—not just as career starters, but as civic eye-openers. By unveiling how cities work and showing the opportunities for advancement, problem solving, skill development and innovation, we promote the next generation and current workforce to see themselves not just as residents, but as problem-solvers, planners, and public innovators.
Kennedy learned of the job shadowing program through the Greater Phoenix Urban League’s YP CoNext initiative, a mentorship program designed to pair ASU students with professionals from the local community.
“I heard about the opportunity through my mentor,” she explained. “At the time, I was really interested in water and sustainability, and she said, ‘Hey, this could be a great fit for you.’ That simple nudge changed everything.”
Kennedy admitted that she had some expectations that the job shadowing program would be familiar and consistent with other internships experiences—maybe a few assignments, a final presentation, and time at a desk. However she was entirely wrong and instead witnessed a five-week, real-time look into how a city solves problems.
“[I] wasn’t just sitting at someone’s desk—I was in daily huddles, tracking engagement metrics, sitting in on budget meetings, and touring facilities. It was like living a day in the life for five weeks.”
Kennedy worked closely with the Office of Innovation and Water Resources Department where she saw how cross-departmental collaboration, creative problem-solving, and communication drive operates within city systems.
“Water careers are fascinating and essential, but no one talks about them. There’s so much happening behind the scenes of the water treatment process—chemistry, operations, logistics. We all use water, but we rarely talk about the people and systems that make it safe. I hope more students get exposed to this work, because it’s meaningful, it’s needed, and honestly—it’s really cool.”
Kennedy believes programs like the one in Peoria hold tremendous value. For students considering the opportunity, Kennedy’s message is both practical and encouraging
“Don’t be afraid to try something new—even if it’s not your dream role, it’s all learning. And it might open a door you didn’t even know existed.”
For students, these programs become more than résumé lines—they become turning points. And for cities, they’re a chance to shape the next generation of public problem-solvers from the inside out. Kennedy encourages other students to step into unfamiliar opportunities, especially while in school.
“Even if it’s not your dream role, you’ll learn something. Try everything—urban planning, water systems, innovation. You never know what will stick. And doing something outside your comfort zone might just point you toward your purpose.”
Leave a Reply