Number 37
Baltimore Programs Leverage Sports to Combat Youth Violence
Featured Focus: Community Programs, Youth Development
Scope of Impact: Local
The State of Maryland, and more specifically, the City of Baltimore, are strategically using the power of sports and athletics in their fight against youth violence. Here’s what you should know:
Athletics Expansion: A central pillar of the strategy is the increase in athletic leagues available to young people during the summer, providing healthy outlets and teamwork opportunities in order to offer constructive alternatives for young people.
Community Sports Focus: The initiative supports community-based organizations in their efforts to offer sports programs, understanding their crucial role in engaging youth at the local level.
Over the years, many athletes from Baltimore — Kevin Durant being one of them — have refurbished local courts or or created other programs to help keep youth safe. This particular initiative may not have a star name attached, but it does bring together community-based organizations who are on front lines of youth engagement, the city of Baltimore, and the state of Maryland, to make a major impact.
We love that this partnership is taking a data-driven approach to keep all parties accountable and measure success. The focus on sports as a tool for violence prevention isn’t a short term play. It’s a holistic strategy that can have a lasting positive impact on the lives of Maryland's youth, teaching them valuable life lessons while keeping them safe and off the streets.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
Sports can be a great connector between community actors. More than anything else, it can also be an escape for many kids — providing a healthy way out of tough circumstances towards a brighter future. By working together, we all can make a difference in their lives.
Baltimore City invests in youth athletics programs to reduce violence.
Howard County, home to the City of Baltimore, forms a special council to enhance youth engagement.
A1 Boxing in Aurora, Colorado benefits from youth violence prevention funds within its own state.
The state’s official commitment to creating safer communities for youth.
As a pillar of public health, the CDC offers strategies for preventing youth violence through various programs.
This Baltimore program received funding from the city as part of its community-based violence prevention approach.
