Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement Announce Third Summer of Boston After Dark Programming

~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the City's Office of Youth Engagement (OYEA) have announced the dates for the third summer of Boston After Dark programming. This initiative, which provides safe and fun opportunities for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 to come together on Friday evenings during the summer, has expanded its reach this year with new partnerships and events planned across 14 neighborhoods.

The program kicked off on June 26 at the Blackstone Boston Center for Youth and Families (BCYF), with a variety of activities including games, music by Youth Options Unlimited (YOU) youth DJs, ice cream, and free dinner from local small businesses. This event was just the beginning, as OYEA has planned at least two to three events every Friday night between July 10 and August 28 at various locations such as YMCAs, Boston Housing Authority sites, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and local parks.

In addition to the usual activities, each event will also feature airbrush tattoos, face painting, video games, swimming, basketball tournaments, photobooths, art projects, inflatable games, and more. Giveaways will also be provided in partnership with Red Sox Community Engagement, View Boston, and DICK'S House of Sport.

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Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her excitement for this year's program stating that "young people thrive when they have safe, joyful spaces to relax and connect with friends in every neighborhood all summer long." She also emphasized the importance of community partners coming together to create welcoming environments for teens.

Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of OYEA echoed this sentiment saying that "as we launch the third year of Boston After Dark," their focus remains on providing young people with access to safe and enriching spaces throughout the summer. He added that this initiative is not just about giving youth something to do but also about creating community hubs where they can build meaningful connections.

The Boston After Dark program was first launched in 2024 as a response to a pattern of youth violence seen in the summer of 2023. OYEA, along with community partners, recognized that many of these instances took place among young people who were already connected to summer programming. They identified a lack of opportunities for engagement after program or work hours as one crucial source and launched Boston After Dark to address this issue.

Since its inception, the program has seen significant growth and success. The first year reached 1000 youth across Boston, and last summer, over 1,500 young people were engaged. This year, OYEA has expanded its partnerships with youth-serving collaborators to welcome new populations of young people.

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Building on this success, OYEA is hosting more events at Boston Housing Authority sites and is also piloting a first-of-its-kind event at South Boston's Moakley Park. By expanding event venues to include Boston parks, the program aims to bring teens together in public spaces they may not have previously visited in their neighborhoods. It also marks expanded partnerships between OYEA and other City departments.

José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston, expressed his pride in living in a city that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its youth. He stated that "the Boston After Dark event series is exactly what our teen residents deserve - a safe place to relax and connect with their peers."

Boston Children's Hospital has also shown their commitment to ensuring that young people across the city have safe and healthy spaces this summer. Shari Nethersole, MD, Vice President for Community Health and Engagement at Boston Children's Hospital, thanked OYEA for their ongoing leadership and emphasized the importance of this initiative.

To learn more about Boston After Dark events happening this summer, visit boston.gov/after-dark or follow @oyeaboston on Facebook and Instagram or @oyea.boston.gov on Bluesky. With the support of Mayor Michelle Wu, OYEA, and their community partners, Boston After Dark is set to provide a safe and enjoyable summer for teenagers across the city.

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