Show-Me State Times

The City of St. Louis has announced its summer youth programs and job opportunities aimed at engaging young people in safe and supportive environments throughout the summer.

"Parents, grandparents, and guardians know firsthand how stressful it can be to find free, fun, safe, and educational opportunities for their babies during the summer," said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. "That's why it's so important that we have so many great opportunities available to children and teenagers in the summer months, and we want to make sure it's easy to get information about these resources."

The City's Recreation Division offers various youth programs including swimming lessons, dance programs, sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, chess club activities, movie nights, and game nights.

For youths aged 13 and up, the City is partnering with the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission to expand hours and programming at the Tandy and Cherokee recreation centers on Fridays and Saturdays between June 14 and August 24. The centers will remain open from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The summer outdoor pool season began on May 25. The Chambers, Fairground, and Marquette pools are now open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m., with an adult required to accompany children aged 13 or under. Youths aged 15 or older seeking summer employment are encouraged to apply for lifeguard positions.

Additional summer employment opportunities are available through the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment's (SLATE) Summer Youth Employment Program. This program provides paid summer employment for City residents aged 14-24 in various clerical and assistant roles within government agencies, libraries, community organizations, for-profits, and nonprofits.

This summer also sees the continuation of monthly community Kickback events organized by the City's Office of Violence Prevention (OVP). These events feature music, food vendors, community partners addressing conflict resolution and violence de-escalation strategies. Secure storage information and gun locks will also be provided at these events scheduled for June 15 at Barrett Brothers Park and July 20 at 4731 Virginia Ave., both from 2-6 p.m.

Furthermore, youths aged 0 to 17 can participate in reading and exploration programs offered by the St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Public Library. These programs include activities focused on STEM subjects, art projects, outdoor adventures around St. Louis as well as reading initiatives where participants receive a free book upon registration.

For more information about summer youth activities and employment in St. Louis visit the Summer Activities for Youth and Families page or follow @stlyouthcorner on Linktree.

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