St. Louis City offers free summer camps, pools and youth employment

4 articles · Updated · First Alert 4 · May 7

Programmes run across St. Louis from May 23 to Labor Day weekend, with full-day camps June 1-August 7 and paid work opportunities for ages 16 to 24.
The city also plans free pool entry, swim lessons and youth sports, while Mayor Cara Spencer said the aim is to give children safe summer activities and reduce pressure on parents.
Additional support includes an out-of-school youth programme for 17- to 24-year-olds and a Human Services-funded empowerment scheme for residents aged 19 to 24 focused on job readiness and career pathways.

Beyond a summer paycheck, can these job programs forge real careers and stop the city's youth from leaving for good?

Can free summer fun reverse a city's population decline and convince young families to stay?