ST. LOUIS — Several upcoming youth events, including a movie night, bike ride, and dance battle, have been planned as part of St. Louis City’s efforts to keep children safe during the summer months.

In partnership with the City and the Violence Prevention Commission (VPC), the events are paid for by ARPA funds, according to a press release. A full list of events can be found here.

“We have heard from youth for years that they feel like they don’t have safe spaces in their neighborhood,” said Jessica Meyers, director of the St. Louis Violence Prevention Commission.

“This partnership with the City allows us to fund pop-up events for our partners to create safe spaces where they may not already exist. The goal is for these events to cut across interests and neighborhoods to offer something safe for everyone.”

The city also announced the expansion of the Summer Fun STL program that provides recreational and educational activities, as well as three meals a day, at eight St. Louis Public School locations running through July 29.

It is free and open to all youths ages 5-17 who live in the city.

Jefferson High School will also be part of the program now and The Boys & Girls Club will help run it. 

“Keeping our children safe is the most important investment we can make,” Mayor Tishaura Jones said. “As a mom, I know how hard it can be to juggle work and family while school is out for the summer. I encourage families to check out these fun opportunities for youth to learn and grow.”

Funding for the summer program comes from $1 million in Community Development Block Grants. Summer Fun STL is a collaboration between the City, St. Louis Public Schools and the St. Louis Youth Collaborative.

For more information and how to register for Summer Fun STL, click here.