CLEVELAND — It is a sight you do not see every day: a big city mayor and the leader of the public school system going door-to-door together. But that is exactly what happened Monday evening in Cleveland as part of an effort to keep kids and the streets safe this summer.
"We have to meet our young people and our families where they are: in their homes, in our neighborhoods, talking about the importance of making sure they are safe this summer and exposing them to all the opportunities we have in our city," Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb says.
Bibb, along with Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Dr. Warren Morgan, teamed up to recruit students on the city's southeast side for Cleveland's Summer Soundtrack Program. The program is divided into three tracks focused on academics, summer job opportunities, and summer camps.
"By connecting with our summer school program, kids can get an early start before they head back to school," Bibb told 3News. "By connecting with a job at YOU (Youth Opportunities Unlimited), they can get work-life skills to put money in their pocket and get an idea about what kind of career they want to pursue after high school."
The mayor also says there are programs at Cleveland recreational centers where young people "can do robotics, learn how to produce music, play basketball, football." Morgan adds that keeping kids engaged in the summer helps keep their mind going.
"It keeps that learning process continuous so that there's no learning gaps during the summer learning time," Morgan explained. "It also keeps them engaged and active and keeps them away from trouble."
Kamicha Lykes has lived on the southeast side her entire life.
"It's so much going on these days, and it's hard for kids to even play on the streets without hearing gunshots around here," she shared.
Lykes was surprised to see the mayor and school CEO at her door, but is happy they are sharing the opportunities available for her children.
"It's nice to be able to see them like come out and show that they really mean business and that they're willing to help the community.”
Morgan says 2,500 students are currently enrolled in the free summer learning program. The district has 3,500 slots for students in grades K-4 and 9-12.
You can register your child here.
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