A new youth engagement initiative, dubbed \"It Takes a Village,\" has been launched in Grand Rapids, targeting local youth aged 12 to 17. The program, which began with a test run last weekend, aims to provide a safe and engaging environment for young people during weekend evenings. Activities include basketball contests, video games, cultural discussions, and college preparation sessions, with events held at two locations: Lifequest Urban Outreach Gym and Alger Middle School.

The program operates on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 PM to 10 PM, featuring security measures such as metal detectors and a ban on backpacks to ensure participant safety. Transportation is available through Deemed Transportation, requiring parental consent for shuttling.

The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Urban League of West Michigan, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Grand Valley State University (GVSU). GVSU will host special college nights, offering educational sessions on financial aid, career preparation, and other relevant topics.

City officials acknowledged the program's urgent inception, prompted by recent community concerns and incidents. City Manager Washington emphasized the need for immediate action rather than waiting for a more structured plan, highlighting the program as a pilot year with potential for expansion in the future.

Community leaders expressed gratitude for the initiative, recognizing the importance of providing safe spaces for youth and the collaborative effort required to address local challenges. The program is seen as a critical step in fostering community engagement and reducing violence among young people. Future planning discussions are already underway to enhance the program for subsequent years.