We know that in the Greater Louisville region, there will be an additional 7,500 kids age 11-18 that have no organized programming this summer, for a variety of reasons. That’s 7,500 additional youth that are at risk of increased exposure to crime, substance abuse, poor mental health outcomes, and eventually, higher chances of dropping out of school. And many of our community’s youth rely on daily school meals for nutrition so are at risk of losing a critical line of defense against childhood hunger this summer.
Research shows that youth summer programs significantly reduce crime by providing mentorship, skill-building, and structure at a much lower cost than juvenile incarceration. It benefits all of us to ensure that youth have safe, structured options this summer.
In addition to the direct impact on youth, the reduction in summer programming could create real challenges for employers whose workforces may struggle with child care and summer supervision gaps tying this directly to workforce stability, economic vitality, and quality of life in our community.
We surveyed all 229 youth-serving nonprofit organizations in our network to understand better their most crucial and immediate needs this summer. Based on those results and subsequent funding requests, MUW started the Hardship to Hope Youth Summer Fund with an initial investment of $100,000 to directly support 19 organizations with programming like mentoring, life skills and career exploration, academic enrichment, mental and physical health support, local field trips, music, art, and other enrichment opportunities.
