Baltimore invests $9.5M to expand youth opportunities through YouthWorks and community programs

On May 1, 2025, the Baltimore City Council convened to discuss critical issues surrounding public safety, education, and support for youth and older adults. A significant focus of the meeting was the investment in youth programs, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the community.

Sheree Moore, director of the grant-making portfolio, highlighted a remarkable increase in grantee compliance, rising from 30% to 90%. This improvement reflects the commitment to ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently. Over 700 individuals have participated in capacity-building programs since 2024, demonstrating a strong community engagement effort.

The council announced a substantial investment of $9.5 million aimed at expanding opportunities for youth throughout Baltimore. A key component of this funding is the YouthWorks program, which will receive $4.9 million to create 8,500 paid job opportunities for young people. This initiative is crucial, as many grassroots organizations depend on YouthWorks for staffing and participation in their summer programs. Without this emergency funding, numerous summer opportunities for youth would be jeopardized.

In addition to YouthWorks, the council allocated $2.9 million for summer programs through the Summer Funding Collaborative, which supports 47 community-based organizations focused on various areas, including arts, STEM, health, and youth civic engagement. This marks a $900,000 increase from the previous year, reflecting a growing commitment to culturally relevant and community-centered initiatives.

The meeting also addressed the importance of maintaining compliance and transparency in the management of public funds. Grantees are required to submit monthly financial reports and quarterly updates to ensure accountability and track progress. The council emphasized that funding is directly tied to compliance, reinforcing the need for responsible stewardship of public resources.

As the council moves forward, the focus remains on fostering a safe and supportive environment for youth, ensuring that summer programs serve as a springboard for growth and leadership. The investments made today are expected to have lasting impacts on the community, promoting equity and opportunity for all young people in Baltimore.