Background | Joint Statement | Here's what we're doing | Here's what you can do | Media Coverage
The rising volume and severity of youth crime is undeniable. The real question is: Why?
The Neighbourhood Group Community Services Youth Program, in partnership with the Toronto Youth Cabinet, eunderstand the transformative impact of summer job opportunities for young people, particularly in disadvantaged communities. These jobs are a powerful tool for reducing poverty within families and strengthening local neighbourhoods, and connected the lack of youth unemployment to heightened youth violence. In many cities across the U.S., research shows that creating summer youth employment programs decreases youth violence. Consider the data:
- New York experienced a 23% decline in felony arrests over five years following the implementation of their youth summer employment program.
- Chicago noted a 43% reduction in violent crimes after starting a youth employment program.
- Atlanta saw a 28% drop after opening their program.
​Youth who participated in summer employment programs in these cities revealed impressive outcomes: 90% wished to continue in the programs; 88% felt more hopeful about their futures; and 90% acquired employable skills.
To that end, TNGCS has proposed the creation of 10,000 summer jobs by 2026. This initiative, done in partnership with the Toronto Youth Cabinet, seeks to engage non-profits and government agencies to provide essential mentorship, networking, and meaningful job opportunities for youth aged 15-24. This program would be vital for underrepresented groups such as Black, newcomer, and Indigenous youth and would empower these youth and the communities in which they live.
The City of Toronto understands the value of the summer jobs for youth. In November 2024, the City adopted Sidewalks to Skylines: A 10-Year Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy. This plan provides a roadmap for Toronto’s economic development through 2035. One of the three key priorities is Quality jobs and Action number 16 on page 43 specifically references the creation of 10,000 summer jobs for youth by 2026!