KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo City Commission Monday night approved deals that will pump $1.7 million dollars into summer youth programs. It will be by far the largest summer program in city history.
They approved a Memorandum of Understanding with KRESA to create 200 summer jobs for young adults between 14 & 21 to engage in career exploration, skills training and paid internships.
Kyd Network Director Meg Blinkiewicz says they had more proposals than they could afford, with 38 agencies submitting bids. She said 31 were fully or partially funded, but they could have approved many more if they had more than $875,000 to spend.
City officials say the goal is to keep the kids busy during summer vacation, keep them out of trouble, and at the same time steer them toward productive paths and opportunities.
Reducing teen violence, some of it gun related, is also a goal.
The city will officially launch the season with the Summer Kickoff Celebration, a free event at Upjohn Park this Friday from 3:00-7:00pm.
It’s sponsored by Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the city’s Parks Department.
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