Summer program for Tacoma teens created with hope of reducing violence

Tacoma schools, community centers and non-profits will be providing a safe space for teens to get free dinner and participate in open gym, art and music activities, and hang out with friends.

TACOMA, Wash. - There’s a new way for teens to stay active in Tacoma. Through September 1, sixth to eleventh graders can utilize a new program called Summer Teen Late Nights, for a free meal and various activities at locations throughout the city.

"We’re trying to figure out how we can keep kids safe year-round." School Board Vice President Korey Strozier said.

The program will be run through Tacoma Public Schools in partnership with the YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club, Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks Tacoma, and non-profit Greentrike.

"We’ve lost 10 students this year, and that’s a lot." Strozier said. "So how do we get to a situation where this doesn’t continue to happen?"

Teens can use the space from 5 to 10 p.m. each weeknight throughout the summer at 12 different locations, including:

Baker Middle School
Al Davies Boys & Girls Club
Eastside Community Center
Giaudrone Middle School
Topping Regional Hope Center
Morgan Family YMCA
Mason Middle School
Meeker Middle School
Stewart Middle School
Truman Middle School
Center at Norpoint
People’s Community Center

Over 300 teens have already pre-registered. On Monday, parents were seen dropping off their middle and high schoolers for the first day of the program.

"I love it because it gives somewhere for my kid to go you know," Mom Tiffany Elizondo said. "From what I see at the door he has some friends here so that’ll be nice."

Although registration is encouraged, it’s not required. Sixth to eleventh graders can drop in and leave on their own.