Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools launched the program, Summer for Change, to help solve the major issue of gun violence in the city.
According to WGNTV, four hundred students will be chosen to participate in the six week program, which will provide mentoring and group therapy to witnesses of gun related violence, as well as educational and enrichment opportunities.
“After the final school bell rings and the school year ends, our commitment to the growth, enrichment and safety of Chicago’s children continues,” said Mayor Lightfoot in a press conference on Wednesday. “Summer for Change will offer high school students meaningful activities and programs to participate in, providing a sense of safety, service and opportunity over summer break.”
“This groundbreaking six-week program will ensure hundreds of youth who need access to resources the most are engaged, supported, and learning during the summer,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “The safety and well-being of youth is always our top priority, and CPS and the City of Chicago are fully committed to expanding opportunities for our students and keeping them safe and engaged in meaningful activities.”
Although the number of homicides from gun violence fell in 2018, years 2015 and 2016 were still enormously high in that statistic. This means that many of these students will have suffered gun related loss or trauma in the past.