Investing in Jersey City's youth is money well spent | Fulop

By Jersey Journal Guest Columnist
on February 12, 2016 at 1:20 PM, updated February 12, 2016 at 1:21 PM

By STEVE FULOP

JERSEY CITY MAYOR

Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed – that's something we can all agree on.

That's why in Jersey City, we've made youth development a priority by expanding recreational, professional and mentorship programming, with an eye toward helping kids learn lifelong skills that will give them the best chance they all deserve.

As we work to build stronger and safer communities, we are mindful that means not only adding more police, but also offering positive opportunities for our young people.

One example of this is our partnership with Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils, announced earlier this week, to offer a brand-new ice hockey program for Jersey City kids. The program will be entirely free and will provide all the necessary equipment so boys and girls ages six to 18 can learn the sport.

Hockey, of course, is one of the most expensive sports to learn and play. So for me, what's so exciting here is that we've been able to remove a barrier and give children throughout our city an opportunity that otherwise might have been unavailable to them – no matter how badly they dreamed of being the next Martin Brodeur.

The new hockey program is just one of the many ways we've made expanding youth opportunities a priority over the last two and a half years. To begin with, we increased the recreation budget by nearly $1 million, from $3 million when I took office to almost $4 million in last year's budget.

In fact, last year's recreation budget actually represented the largest total recreation investment since 2009. We've added nearly 30 new recreation programs and diversified the lineup to include activities such as scuba diving, cricket, boxing and special needs programs.

And this month we are launching a new youth mentoring program for middle- and high-school students that will offer them academic and cultural enrichment, as well as provide positive support on topics such as anti-bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem and character building.

As we all know, sometimes having an adult to talk to or a mentor's guidance can dramatically improve a child's outcome.

In addition, our Jersey City Summer Works Initiative -- now in its third year -- is a comprehensive model for providing a range of youth employment opportunities. Each summer, Jersey City Summer Works places nearly 1,000 kids in jobs and internships in the public and private sectors.

The Initiative also offers free, weekly professional development series developed in collaboration with local universities and nonprofits: young people can attend college tours, earn certificates in digital literacy, CPR and babysitting among many other offerings.

They not only gain authentic work experience, but professional development and mentorship support that prepares them for their futures.

Ultimately, the city's investment in youth is about more than just providing a summer job or a chance to learn a new sport. These programs can be life-changing, transformative opportunities for some kids – particularly those most at-risk and in need of support.

By teaching young men and women a strong work ethic and helping them develop lifelong interpersonal and professional skills, we not only give them a better shot at a more successful future but, ultimately, strengthen our communities and our city as a whole.

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2 ... h_is_money_well_spen.html