KYCC’s Environmental Services Summer Youth Program commenced on June 24, 2024, and concluded on August 3 with a total of 8 youth in this year’s cohort. Throughout the summer, the Summer Youth engaged with our Environmental Services team, dividing their time between gaining knowledge in tree planting, community engagement, and street beautification, and getting hands on experience with our Clean Streets Initiative, tree care, graffiti removal, and professional development. Participants in the program also took part in an art class for their final program project, while also gaining insights into street art and receiving training to kickstart their professional careers.

Throughout the duration of the Summer Youth program, the youth provided support to fulfill 424 graffiti site requests, plant 20 trees, gather two Commitment to Water forms, survey around 25 community addresses, dispose 99 trash bags of loose litter, and remove 57 bulky items from our streets.

“Hosting our Summer Youth program presents a special chance to connect with the new generation of young adults, who bring vibrant energy and creative ideas to our initiative. This year, our cohort not only shadowed our staff in the field but also delved into the basics of art and street art components while leading their own street art project,” says Angelic Perez, Community Engagement Coordinator “This marks the start of our commitment to enhancing art accessibility and promoting positive expression. We are excited for what next year has in store!” 

For their final week, the Summer Youth concentrated on their art project, enhancing the aesthetics of the planter boxes at 1255 Elden Ave. To conclude their program, the Summer Youth participants were treated to a visit to Disney California Adventures. A big thank you to our dedicated youth and Environmental Services staff for making this summer program unforgettable!

This program is funded by Office of Community Beautification, Stop the Hate campaign by the California Department of Social Services, and Council District 1.