More than 130 youths and adults ages 14-21 graduated Aug. 12 from the Evelyn K. Davis Center Y-ExCL summer program, a paid, 10-week, work-based experience to build employment skills and learn about training and education pathways, Hola Iowa reported. The Y-ExCL summer program, or Youth-Excel into Careers and Leadership, put participants through a two-week paid training period before placing them with a partner employer to work 20 hours per week starting at $13 per hour. The opportunities ranged from administrative duties, inventory flow and control, maintenance, facilities, child care, event planning, and labor or construction-related jobs for age-appropriate youths. One day per week was reserved for activities such as college tours or service projects. Photo by Tar Macias