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Durham teenagers, program leaders appeal to city for sustained funding for after-school programs
Summary
Several teenage speakers and program leaders urged the council to preserve and increase local funding for youth programs, citing mental-health supports, safe spaces and workforce-preparation activities; one program leader said an organization needs roughly $54,000 a year to remain open.
A group of teenage speakers and community program leaders addressed the Durham City Council asking the city to support after-school and youth-development programs that councilors and students said are keeping young people safe and engaged.
Mayor Williams used his prerogative to give time during opening remarks to a student representative. Sixteen-year-old Jolieel Campbell identified herself as a participant in the youth program PUF and described the program as “like a family” that helped her after the 2018–2019 loss of a family member to firearm violence. Campbell told the council, “Being part of this program has made it easier for me… I already know how to evaluate certain situations and stay out of trouble.”
Other youth speakers described programs that provide life skills, financial education, international travel experiences and mentorship. Several speakers asked the council to ensure funding for programs they named: PUF (described in the hearing as an after-school program emphasizing life-preparation and financial education), Propose Learning Lab (spelled in the transcript as Learning Lap/Lab) and Destiny (a local youth program referenced by participants).
One speaker said Destiny needs about $54,000 per year to remain open and that another figure discussed—"$47,000"—appeared in the transcript as part of an internal calculation; the transcript contained inconsistent references to monthly versus annual amounts. Speakers emphasized that closing these programs would remove safe, supervised places for youth when schools are on break. A speaker identified as a junior council member argued that funding these programs is “an investment in the future” and urged the council to preserve budget support.
Council members thanked the students and organizers. Councilor Baker and Mayor Williams both acknowledged the presentations and noted the city’s Bull City Future fund as an existing channel for philanthropic support. City staff and councilors said they would review the requests as part of normal budget and grant processes; no immediate appropriation was approved at the meeting.
Several councilors encouraged greater participation by residents in council meetings and noted the city has discretionary funds and grant-making processes that community groups may access.
