COLUMBUS – Millions of dollars are being spent at the state and local levels to try to keep children in Ohio, in their classrooms and on their neighborhood streets.
The city of Columbus and Franklin County are spending over $20 million to support summer programming for Columbus youth.
The efforts come at a “crucial time,” according to Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, as children continue to face challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our people need to re-engage with their peers and their communities, to stay connected with structure and stability,” Ginther said.
The city will spend more than $16 million for education, violence prevention, career exploration and jobs training. Franklin County is investing over $6 million on summer activities for youth.
Meanwhile, the state is awarding $4.8 million in grants to nearly 100 schools, including some in Franklin, Licking, Madison and Pickaway counties, to help them improve safety and security, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday.
“I care deeply about every child in Ohio, and this will help ensure that more students are learning in an environment where they can feel safe and secure,” he said Governor DeWine.
The 98 schools in 27 counties will receive the funding from Ohio’s K-12 School Safety Grant Program, a program launched out of the Ohio School Safety Center.
Funds will be used for security cameras, public address systems, automatic door locks and visitor badging systems in school buildings, DeWine said.
Ginther’s administration and Columbus City Council are planning to spend $7.9 million for community safety programs, including $5.3 million youth mentorship and educational opportunities, such as camps and other experiences designed to reduce violence and encourage positive social interactions.
Approximately $3 million is specifically devoted to workforce development programming.
“Over the past two years, our youth have experienced profound upheaval and uncertainty, but one constant has been our commitment to empowering them with the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to enrich their minds, develop healthy habits and lead safe, productive lives,” said Mayor Ginther.
The lion’s share — $14.4 million — of the total $16.2 million investment comes from the federal American Rescue Plan and the city’s general fund while $1.8 million will be drawn from the city’s Reimagining Safety Fund.
City Council is expected to take up the ordinances approving the city funding at its May 23 and June 6 meetings.
Franklin County is investing over $6.1 million to support free day camps for elementary and middle school students, as well as paid work experiences and college and career readiness programs for high schoolers and young adults whose families must meet income guidelines to qualify.
Columbus City Schools will once again host the Summer Experience, a free, immersive learning program for students in pre-K through grade 12, which runs June 21 through July 28.
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