The City of Columbus is investing heavily in youth programs to keep kids and teens engaged and safe during the summer months. One such program, Ravage, focuses on literacy, drumming, and dance while also teaching social and emotional skills. Local officials and the community emphasize the importance of these programs in preventing violence and creating a brighter future for young people.
Summer break has arrived, bringing with it a surge in programs designed to engage young minds and keep teens safe. The City of Columbus has allocated over $28 million to various youth programs , aiming to provide engaging and enriching activities for children and teenagers. One such initiative is the Ravage program, which currently enrolls 70 young participants. The program, running until 8:30 p.m.
each evening, not only focuses on honing literacy skills but also offers engaging opportunities to learn drumming and dance. 'During the summer, I usually find myself losing a lot of the information I normally gain because of gaming and other distractions, but now my focus is entirely on drumline,' shared Shawn Saunders, an incoming high school freshman participating in the Ravage program. Shawn expressed how the program supports his aspirations of securing a college scholarship by helping him make responsible decisions for his future. 'There's so much happening in Columbus, so being at home and here is far better than being on the streets where people get hurt and involved in other negative situations,' he added. Amber Broadus, the program director, emphasized their commitment to teaching and guiding young individuals towards making wise choices, steering them away from crime and violence. 'This is where social-emotional learning comes in, encompassing behavioral and mental health aspects, teaching them how to make better decisions for themselves, their communities, and their families,' Broadus explained. She highlighted the City of Columbus's strong support for their efforts, awarding the center $75,000 to fund the summer program. 'Witnessing the number of children losing their lives due to gun violence, the stealing of cars, and families struggling due to unemployment has driven the need to create these safe spaces for children and families to connect and be a part of something positive,' Broadus stated. Columbus police have reported a concerning number of young individuals involved in criminal activity this year, with 11 homicide suspects and 76 felony assault suspects under the age of 18. Mayor Andrew Ginther stressed the importance of investing in programs like Ravage in mitigating these statistics. 'This is a comprehensive approach, allowing us to celebrate, uplift, and invest in our young people, ultimately making our city safer and paving the way for their future success,' Mayor Ginther explained. Mayor Ginther took the time to interact with the children, observing their performances. He conveyed his belief that they represent the city's future and wished them a safe and enjoyable summer
Youth Programs Summer Activities Crime Prevention Education Community Development
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