Baltimore Releases Data on Successful Summer Youth Engagement Strategy

The City of Baltimore has released a summary of its “Outside in ‘25” summer youth engagement strategy, detailing the program’s impact on providing safe and enriching activities for the city’s young people. This initiative, which ran from early April through the past weekend, focused on offering constructive opportunities during out-of-school hours, complemented by safety engagement efforts in areas frequented by youth. The strategy aimed to foster positive interactions, de-escalate potential conflicts, and connect young individuals with necessary resources, contributing to an overall effort to enhance public safety.

This year’s “Outside in ‘25” strategy saw a shift in approach, emphasizing the roles of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) and the Mayor’s Office of African American Male Engagement (MOAAME), along with community partners, in leading direct engagement with youth. These teams focused on building relationships, mediating disputes, and preventing violence, while also facilitating access to support services. Law enforcement collaboration occurred when necessary to address dangerous behaviors. The expanded safety engagement this year included nearly double the number of weekends compared to the previous year, with outreach workers interacting with young people over 977 times. These interactions resulted in 113 documented requests for services, including assistance with employment, housing, and educational reconnection. A new partnership with B-360 established a Youth Connection Center, serving as a hub for youth needing additional support.

The programming aspect of “Outside in ‘25” offered a wide array of activities designed for youth enjoyment. Thousands participated in various events, including the Mayor’s Office Spring Break TeenFest, Splash Fest teen pool parties, and Rock the Block community block parties. The YouthWorks program facilitated 8,604 job offers through 697 employers. Additionally, 3,204 young people attended Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) summer camps, and 1,792 attendees enjoyed Midnight Basketball sessions. The city also distributed over 2,138 backpacks and 800 hygiene kits, and provided 4,237 meals at the Mayor’s Back to School Event. Extended hours were implemented at nine recreation centers on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, offering tailored programming for teens and young adults. Baltimore City Public Schools also contributed by offering 17,639 slots across 150 summer learning programs, encompassing various types of educational support.

Data presented by the Mayor’s office indicates a significant impact on youth safety statistics. Year-to-date, youth homicide victimizations have seen a substantial decrease of 83.3%, with two incidents in 2025 compared to twelve in 2024. Aggravated assault victimizations are down 20.3%, and robbery victimizations have decreased by 30.9%. While youth shooting victimizations have seen a slight increase of 17.4% (27 in 2025 versus 23 in 2024), they remain significantly lower than the 74 nonfatal shootings recorded in 2023, representing a 63.5% reduction from that year. Juvenile arrests made by the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) also saw a minor decrease, with 629 arrests so far in 2025 compared to 636 during the same period last year.

The “Outside in ‘25” strategy demonstrates the city’s commitment to investing in its youth through comprehensive engagement and safety initiatives, aiming to foster a more secure and vibrant environment for Baltimore’s young residents.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Baltimore

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