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Youth Bureau expands after-school programs; grants support swim and lifeguard pay raises
Summary
The youth bureau reported new after-school programming for grades 6–12, grant-funded lifeguard pay increases and several small grants to shore up youth services; the department said grant writing is handled by staff.
The cityyouth bureau outlined recent program growth and grant support for recreation and swim operations.
Department staff said the recently launched after-school program serves grades 6–12 and that a grant covered 75% of staff salaries for the first year; the bureau budget reflects an increase to sustain the program beyond the grant. The bureau also secured a $25,000 swims grant (reimbursable) to raise lifeguard and pool-staff wages and make the city more competitive with private-area facilities. Staff said lifeguard pay has risen over the last several years to reduce turnover and better match neighboring employers.
The bureau reported three WADES (or WADIS — transcript spelling unclear) grants this year, a $2,500 Community Foundation grant for holiday clothing distribution and a $2,000 gift from an Upstate sports charity; staff said they do most grant writing in-house and sometimes seek assistance from the mayoroffice or Urban Renewal on larger grants.
Why it matters: After-school and recreation programs serve at-risk youth and support workforce retention for seasonal staff; grant funding reduced near-term operating pressure but many grants are single-year and require budget planning to sustain programs.
Ending: Council members thanked bureau staff and noted a waiver for a new recreation specialist would be considered on the full council agenda to expedite hiring.
