The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council is hosting a free, interactive Town Hall event designed to help high school students build essential life skills as they prepare for their futures beyond graduation.

The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at ASU SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road, Building 1, Global Room 201. Dinner will be provided.

Attendees will rotate through three expert-led breakout sessions focused on practical, real-world topics:

• Nutrition: Learn how to make healthy, budget-friendly food choices with guidance from nutrition consultant Aly Axelrod.
• Financial Literacy: Gain key insights into budgeting, saving, and managing personal expenses.
• College and Career Success: Participate in a discussion led by Tawni Rachel, a counseling faculty member from Scottsdale Community College, focused on strategies to thrive academically and professionally.

“Every year, the topic selection for the Town Hall is hard because there are so many pressing issues facing our youth today,” said Sophia Lin, Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council president. “I looked at my own peers and thought of what problems are often overlooked. Things such as conflict resolution, nutrition or financial literacy are just as, if not more important than academic intelligence – so I hope our Youth Town Hall is able to bridge these important gaps in life skills.”

The event is designed to help students feel more confident and prepared for the challenges they may face after high school, from navigating college life to managing their own finances and personal well-being.

“This Town Hall is a valuable opportunity for high school students to be set up for success post-graduation, engage with leaders, and use their voice on topics that students are passionate about,” said Kristy Hahn-McDonald, staff liaison to the Youth Council.

The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council provides local high school students with hands-on opportunities to learn about city government, engage with civic leaders, tour municipal facilities, and participate in public meetings and community events.