Summer Late Nite is back, and the YMCA alongside other community partners are excited to continue this meaningful program starting June 24.
Schools, community centers, and non-profits across Tacoma are opening their doors to keep teens safe and engaged. Middle and high school students can get dinner every night, participate in open gym, art and music activities, and hang out with friends.
This is a free drop-in program, and Tacoma students can attend as many times as they want through the summer. Students can drop in at the site assigned to them or the location nearest their home.
The Call for Late Nite
Youth violence was a major concern among Tacoma residents in 2023. In response to a rash of violence early last year, Dr. Josh Garcia, Superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools, reached out to a coalition of local community organizations to support Tacoma in its time of need. In collaboration with the YMCA, the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks Tacoma, Boys and Girls Club of Puget Sound, and Greentrike, Late Nite was reborn to help kids stay safe.
U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), an unwavering supporter of Late Nite and the Y, visited the program at Baker Middle School, a popular site for teens in Tacoma.
“Sadly, young people experience high rates of gun violence, but community partners are working to ensure they have safe spaces to stay active, explore their interests, and socialize in a positive setting,” said Representative Strickland. “It was great to spend time with students at Summer Late Nite at Baker Middle School and hear more about how the Y continues to support young people in the South Sound.”
The Impact of Teen Programs
In 2023, across all locations including schools and centers, the Y served 1,865 teens who signed up for programming over 7,143 times. Moving into the summer of 2024, we aim to continue to grow this program and provide free programming that teens enjoy. With the support of our community and action Late Nite is back and will be in full swing this coming summer!
To learn more about the impact of this program, read our 2023 Late Nite Impact Report.