2023 Summer Safety Strategy

Boston youth ages 14-18 can apply for in-person and hybrid summer job opportunities at nonprofits, community-based organizations, and City agencies. This year, the City made an unprecedented $18.7M investment in youth jobs, the largest in Boston’s history. This funding will support 5,000 youth jobs in partnership with local nonprofits and community organizations and 2,000 City based youth jobs, making the City the largest employer for youth summer jobs in Boston.

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The Summer Stuff page on the BPS website is live with information for summer 2023 programming including Boston Summer Eats, Summer Mental Health Services, Summer Learning programs and Summer Jobs, Internships, and Volunteering opportunities. Programming for Elementary (Grades K-5), Middle (Grades 6-8) and High School Students (Grades 9-12) runs from July 10th - August 11th.

Apply for programming on School Mint, or learn more at bostonpublicschoolssummer.schoolmint.com

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) offers many summer classes and programs for youth. These aren’t only a lot of fun — they also keep children active over the summer months so they are prepared for the return to school in the fall.

• BCYF SuperTeens: The BCYF SuperTeens Program is a six-week leadership program for 13 and 14 year olds. The 2023 program will run from July 10 to August 18, 2023.
• BCYF Camp Joy: BCYF Camp Joy provides high-quality programs for children and young adults with special needs. Camp Joy’s success is due to qualified and dedicated staff. Our structured and enriching programs promote peer-to-peer socialization, foster individual growth and development, and connect participants and their families to new opportunities and valuable community resources. The program will run from July 10th-August 4th, 2023 and is available to Boston residents with disabilities, ages 3 - 15, and their siblings, ages 3 - 7.
• BCYF Girls Leadership Corps: BCYF Girls Leadership Corps (GLC) provides girls ages 11-14 with workshops and activities. Workshop topics will include self-defense with Girls LEAP, leadership skills, empowerment with the YW F.R.Y.E. Initiative, and more. The Girls Leadership Corps program participants will plan activities that Boston girls will be invited to register for, including Summer Girls Nights and various workshops and special activities. The program will operate from Tuesday, July 18 to Friday, August 18, 2023.
• BCYF Snap Shot Teen Photography Program: BCYF’s Snap Shot Teen Photography program is a unique summer job program for ages 16 to 18 that introduces participants to all aspects of photography. Teens receive a paycheck while participating in the program. Led by a professional photographer, the program includes opportunities to conduct photo shoots, visit museums and art galleries, learn digital photo editing, engage in online personal development workshops, and serve as a staff photographer for BCYF. Interested youth should apply to Snap Shot through the SuccessLink Summer Jobs Program at Boston.gov/Youth-Jobs. Select “BCYF Snap Shot” from the summer job spreadsheet on the website. The program will operate from Monday, June 26 to Friday, August 25, 2023.

View a complete list of summer programs and events

Boston's Parks and Recreation Department offers free athletic programs, clinics, and camps in neighborhood parks across the City throughout Summer Months.

Parkarts Performing Arts

• Citywide Neighborhood Concerts: Neighborhood Concerts are presented by Bank of America with support from Berklee College of Music and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. Concerts will run from Monday, July 10th, 2023 through Wednesday, August 9th, 2023. For the full schedule of concerts, visit the Neighborhood Concert Series Webpage.
• Tito Puente Latin Music Series: Created in honor of Latin music icon Tito Puente, this series celebrates 16 years of bringing live Latin music with a strong salsa influence to Boston parks. The series is sponsored in part by Berklee College of Music and Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción. Free salsa lessons will be led by MetaMovements at select concerts. All concerts start at 7 p.m.  All locations are wheelchair accessible. To view the entire six-concert schedule, visit the Tito Puente Latin Music Series Webpage.
• Mayor Wu’s Movie Nights: This series is presented by Bank of America with additional support by College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, and in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment. All shows start at dusk (approximately 8:00p.m.). For the complete movie schedule, visit the Parks Movie Nights Webpage.
• Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets: Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets featuring marionettes made by professional actor-puppeteer Charlotte Anne Dore. Performances start at 11 a.m. Each event is free, but young children must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of six or more must make prior arrangements by calling the Parks Department at 617-635-4505. The puppet performances are part of our arts and crafts workshops taking place on the same day from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. To view the full performance schedule, visit the Rosalita’s Marionette Puppets Webpage.
• Golf Course Summer Concert Series: Sponsored by Bank of America, the Golf Course Summer Concert Series features live music on summer nights at City golf courses. Shows will run July 12th, 2023 through August 24th, 2023 (beginning at 6:00pm), and will be held at one of two golf courses: William J. Devine Golf Clubhouse (1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester) and George Wright Golf Clubhouse (420 West Street, Hyde Park).

Parkarts Participatory Arts

• Watercolor Painting: The Watercolor Painting Workshops enable artists of all skill levels to create their own green space-inspired masterpieces. Tips and techniques are provided by an instructor. These workshops take place from September 9th, 2023 to September 24th, 2023. For the full workshop schedule, visit the Watercolor Painting Workshop Webpage. Pre-Registration is required.
• Arts & Crafts Workshops: Our arts and crafts workshops are led by local artists. They're held Tuesday through Friday from Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 through August 11th, 2023, and run from 10:00am-12:00pm. These drop-in workshops encourage kids to explore their creativity through projects like mask making, crayon art, watercolor and much more. Supplies are provided by the City. This series is completely free and open to Boston residents. These workshops will take place in various parks throughout the City of Boston. Registration is encouraged, and pre-registration is required for groups of 8 or more. To register, please email shannon.murphy2@boston.gov.

Children's Festival

• Frog Pond Spray Pool Opening: Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods, and The Skating Club of Boston will kick off the 2023 summer season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Tuesday, June 27. The day will include a fun and exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool. The Frog Pond spray pool is open daily from 11:00am to 6:00pm. until September 4th, 2023. Learn more on the 2023 Frog Pond Spray Pool Opening Webpage
• Children’s Summer Festival: Sponsored by Bank of America with support from H.P. Hood LLC and College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, the 2023 Children’s Festival will take place on Tuesday, August 15th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Franklin Park Playstead (25 Pierpoint Road, Roxbury). Learn more on the Children’s Summer Festival Webpage.

ParkActive

• Summer Fitness Series: Presented in partnership with the BPHC, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the Boston Parks Fitness Series offers free fitness programming in Boston parks. Programming will be both in-person and virtual, with classes led by certified fitness instructors. Classes include Afrobeat Cardio, Beginner Salsa, Chair Yoga, Dance Fit, Family Zumba, HIIT, Kick It by Eliza, Line Dancing, POUND Fitness, Strength & Conditioning, Tai Chi, Total Body Burn, Yoga and Zumba. Everyone is welcome, regardless of fitness level. Classes will run from May 7th to September 2nd, 2023. Visit Boston.gov/fitness to find the full schedule and additional details, or call (617-961-3047 or (617) 534-2355.
• Out of the Park: In partnership with the Boston Red Sox and the Highland Street Foundation, the annual Out of the Park event transforms a busy corner of the Boston Common into Fenway Park. The event will be held on July 16, 2023 at 12:30pm. For more information visit the Highland Street Foundation at (617) 969-8900.

The Boston Public Library has expanded the classic summer reading programming into a broader summer learning agenda, including STEM programs. We have targeted programs by age group at all locations with an emphasis on underserved youth, including English Language Learners. Learn more at bpl.org/summer.

The YOU Boston Summer Youth Employment program places Boston Youth Ages 14-24 in paid, supervised work opportunities with community-based organizations. Summer cohorts include Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurship, Health and Wellness, Landscaping and Agriculture, Intro to Trades, Intro to Cosmetology, Media Arts, Barista and Customer Service, Music Appreciation, a Job Search Clinic, and a Senior Peer Leaders program. Youth are paid $16+ an hour and work between 12-25 hours a week between July 5th - August 25th, 2023.

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PowerCorpsBOS is a green jobs program. It provides young adults with training, career readiness support, and connections to employers in the green industry. An “earn and learn” program, PowerCorpsBOS pays members to participate in hands-on training that prepares them for living-wage careers. Over the course of its 6-month training program, PowerCorpsBOS teaches Corps members a variety of transferable soft skills and technical forestry skills. These skills can be used in the green industry and beyond. Summer Programming will run from July-August, 2023. Corps members will be paid $15.75/hour at 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday, 8:30-3:30) and will receive a monthly T pass. We will be looking to enroll 45 new participants into our training program this Summer and we will be offering two different green industry career tracks for them to choose from:

• Building Automated Systems - making sure commercial buildings are energy efficient.
• Urban Forestry - taking care of the City's parks, urban wilds and street tree canopy.

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Under the collaborative efforts of the Office of Safety Services and the Division of Student Support within Boston Public Schools, these roles seek to engage students with a proactive focus on providing access to resources and support tailored to the student's individual needs in pursuit of  building positive relationships in accordance with BPS strategic goals. The desired outcomes of the position are to 1) add value to the district’s Multi-Tiered levels of support for non clinical resources at tier three that primarily focus on supporting students and their families’ needs through a public health lens, including addressing food insecurity, providing resources for stable housing, mental health support, and economic opportunity; 2) filling a gap of having dedicated BPS staff working shifts that extend beyond the school day in order to be more visible in the community; making more authentic connects with students, families, community based organizations, and attend neighborhood specific meetings;  and 3) keeping school based staff informed of community based opportunities for success, and activities for our students, families, and staff as well as barriers that may be impeding access to student learning or safety. These positions will work through a trauma informed lens to increase the use of restorative practices and increase the focus on enhancing the conflict resolution skills of our young people.

The Neighborhood Trauma Team Network offers services for individuals, families, and communities affected by community violence. Services include:

1. Access to support hotline 24/7, 365 days a year (617-431-0125)
2. Immediate support services for any individual affected by community violence
3. Support for individuals and families during community events. Events include vigils, memorials, and funeral services
4. Referral to ongoing behavioral health services for individuals and families
5. Trauma education and support at community meetings
6. Community outreach to distribute basic trauma health information
7. Community coping/healing groups

Support is available to all residents who feel affected by community violence. You can access services by calling the hotline or the Neighborhood Trauma Team Network. All services are free and private. Visit the Neighborhood Trauma Team Network Webpage to find catchment area contacts, and the Healing After Trauma Brochure.

A state-funded program that operates out of the Boston Public Health Commission, SSYI utilizes a comprehensive public health approach to outreach, engagement, case management and service delivery to increase positive outcomes for adolescents and young adults ages 17-24. A year-round program, all clients are referred by public safety agencies who have identified these individuals as those most at-risk of being victims or perpetrators of firearm violence.

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Operation Exit provides the knowledge and skills required to apply for and enter into a state-registered Building Trades apprenticeship program. Using intensive case management and placement services, Operation Exit helps participants achieve their career goals. Potential candidates are referred to us through our partners. The Summer Cohorts will begin in late August, 2023.

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Formerly known as the "Save R Streets" Grant, the Summer Activation Mini-Grant exists to empower Neighborhood Associations, Tenant Task Force Organizations, and Grassroot Community-based organizations that work closely with persons in the City of Boston's historically marginalized communities. Beginning April 27th, 2023, applicant organizations may apply for up to $7,000.00 (out of $100,000.00). Funds shall be used to activate community spaces, where community violence has been historically prevalent during summer months (June-August).

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Our fund allows community-based organizations serving the Black male community in Boston to apply for up to $25,000 in grants. Grant funds are awarded to Boston non profit organizations providing proven or promising programs to bring their work to scale or deepen their impact serving Black men and boys throughout the City of Boston.

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Our “Adopt a Block'' Initiative supports faith institutions’ efforts to connect and support the safety and health of residents. This initiative will be piloted in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Through this initiative, we aim to:

1. Build trust between the City and residents
2. Strengthen relationships between the City and critical faith organizations, provide opportunities for community engagement
3. Improve delivery of City services to families most impacted by violence.

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The Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Initiative is a program of the Division of Violence Prevention at Boston Public Health Commission. VIP works in 6 micro-neighborhoods averaging 900 households. These neighborhoods have high rates of gun violence but strong community infrastructure. Each VIP neighborhood has its own resident coalition coordinated by a local community organization. VIP coalitions ensure that residents have the knowledge and resources they need. They make residents feel empowered to be part of the solution and create sustained change in their communities.

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Proactively responding in a coordinated manner to recent incidents of violence is a hallmark of many evidence-informed approaches to reducing violence. Beginning in June, the Boston Police Department and Boston Public Health Commission will convene weekly and bi-weekly meetings respectively to bring together law enforcement, public health, and violence intervention workers to ensure coordinated responses to recent conflicts that have or may become violent.

In order to increase positive presence in the “hot spots” where violence concentrates, the Mayor’s office will pilot regular placed-based partnership meetings between law enforcement, other city services, and community stakeholders in several impacted areas where violence concentrates. The goal of the meetings is to increase law enforcement visibility without aggressive enforcement, while at the same time investing in engaging activities in these spaces and improving the physical environment of these areas. Each partnership group should establish its own mini-plan for preventing violence in its area.

Translating Boston’s anti-violence vision into action requires clear and consistent leadership. Beginning in June, Mayor Wu will convene a leadership committee to set the direction of city efforts and monitor progress towards their goals. Committee members will include government leaders including the Boston Police Commissioner, Suffolk County District Attorney, and leaders outside of law enforcement such as the Commissioner of the Boston Public Health Commission. Members will also include non-governmental leaders such as nonprofit and business executives. Finally, and importantly, the committee should include leaders from impacted communities and especially leaders of faith-based organizations. These meetings will be held bi-monthly in order to drive rapid implementation.

The Mayor’s Office and Boston Public Health Commission are driving a community-centered and data-driven process to define Boston’s public health approach to ending violence of all forms in our city.. The entire process is guided by core principles of addressing root causes of violence, thinking of all forms of violence and intersectionality of violence, grounded in equity, and thinking holistically and comprehensively about solutions. This summer, we’ll be at community meetings, block parties, youth programs, and everywhere in between to engage residents and build capacity for our communities to have a central role in the City’s violence prevention and community safety agenda.

In response to the historic incidents of violence in Boston’s Black and Brown communities, the City of Boston will partner with community leaders to host a community Healing Tour. The tour will bring together community residents, municipal leaders, and those who have a greater influence on those who need the most intervention, together within the micro-communities where community violence has been historically prevalent. The goal is to build a community-driven sustainable approach to begin to heal and address some of the issues that lead to the root causes of violence. Sessions will be held throughout June on Thursdays – more information coming soon.