Kids learn early how to work the system

Kimberley McGee

Friday, Feb. 15, 2002 | 4:36 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

Zach Clayton knew what he was getting into.

But it didn't make his 15-minute presentation in front of the Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program board on a recent evening any easier.

As a leader of Las Vegas Boy Scout Troop 250, Clayton was before the board to ask for money to paint the faded yellow fire hydrants in the Desert Shores area.

The 15-year-old was one of four local youths asking for a $1,000 grant from YNAPP for a community project.

"I knew this would build leadership skills for me," Clayton said. "I was a bit nervous though."

But Clayton's persistence and clear presentation were excellent examplesof his leadership skills and his commitment to his community, which is what YNAPP is all about, said Stephen Harsin, city planner and board member of YNAPP.

By planning, presenting and implementing projects that will improve their neighborhoods, area children are building character, confidence and a greater sense of community, Harsin said.

"This gives kids ownership," Harsin said. "Adult supervisors work with the kids with the projects, but this is all about them."

The YNAPP program was created in 2000 by the Las Vegas City Council's Neighborhood Services Department.

Its goal is to improve the economic, social and physical conditions in Las Vegas neighborhoods while empowering local youths.

The program was recently given the national Outstanding Planning Award for a Special Community Initiative by the American Planning Association in Washington, D.C.

"YNAPP's a nationally unique program whose cost to the city is virtually negligible considering the program's long-term benefits," Bruce Knight, chairman of APA's Awards Jury, said.

Since its inception, YNAPP projects have received more than $17,000 in grants by the NSD.

The youths who received the $1,000 grants from YNAPP must match the funds. Most exceed the $1,000 tenfold, Harsin said.

The youths have raised $126,000 of their own through corporate matching funds, bake sales and car washes.

"It's a catchy thing," Harsin said. "As the children go out and try to accomplish their goals, people pitch in. They've come back with $10,000 instead of the $1,000 needed to match us."

The program has completed 19 projects, including removing graffiti, tutoring public school children, cleaning up empty lots and refurbishing senior housing.

"This is the only program of its kind in the nation where the youth are involved with the entire process," Harsin said. "It's all about these kids and what they see needs to be done in their community and then watching them do it. It's amazing to watch what they learn."

After Clayton's fire hydrant pitch, the Las Vegas Aquatic Kids Water Association also presented a project plan to YNAPP. The 15-minute presentation was written, planned and executed by the middle school students in AKWA.

Amanda Helzer, 11, said she and her friends in AKWA wanted to make a video about water safety using the funds provided by YNAPP

"There are 67 near-drownings (locally) every year," Helzer said. "We wanted to explain to kids about the risks of drowning. This way (with YNAPP's funds) we can."

In addition to the video, the group also wants to produce pamphlets, "if there's enough money," Helzer said. "We think we can do this, if they help us a little."