Crime and violence consistently rise during summer, when weather is warmer and students are out of schools.
To keep teenagers and young adults busy and engaged, Milwaukee is again offering its Safe Summer Sites programming.
Iterations of the program have been around for decades. New this year are expanded hours, four additional programming weeks and consultation with students on programming type.
“[Young people] don’t want anything that’s not designed without them or their input,” said David Muhammad, director and chief operations officer of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. “They want to be a part of the conversation and help create opportunities that are relevant, engaging and reflective of their realities.”
About $1.5 million is earmarked for the program this summer. Milwaukee residents ages 12 to 20 can be at the Safe Summer sites from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday until Aug. 31. They can participate in a wide range of activities from athletics to art to mental wellness to workforce development.
More agencies are involved this year, underscoring the city’s multifaceted approach to tackling youth violence prevention. They include city and county government, Milwaukee Public Schools, Children’s Wisconsin, and nonprofit and community organizations.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a June 16 news conference described the collaboration as a powerful way to achieve a common goal: “Give young people in our city every opportunity to succeed and every reason to choose hope over harm.”
Summer programs help curb youth crime
The city’s crime data presents a mixed picture on youth violence prevention.
Car crash and hit-and-run numbers remain consistent, fatal crashes dropped 17%, auto thefts decreased by 21% and carjackings were down 49%.
But 22 homicide suspects last year were under the age of 18, which increased from the previous year. There were 141 homicides in 2025 compared to 132 in 2024, according to MPD.
“Summer is when young people have the most time on their hands, they face temptation and they make choices about what they’re going to get into,” Johnson said, adding one-third of lives lost to violence in Milwaukee last year occurred during the summer.
Youth referrals in the juvenile justice system increased by 50% between 2018 and 2024, according to a 2025 report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Felony weapons offenses tripled, and misdemeanor weapon offenses increased 73%.
In 2025, Children’s Wisconsin cared for 93 children injured by guns and seven who died of gunshot wounds.
Students asked, leaders listened
This year’s Safe Summer Sites weren’t just designed for young people – but with them.
City and school leaders, as well as community partners, gathered feedback from Milwaukee’s youth through convenings, listening sessions and outreach to learn how to serve them best. Students consistently asked for safe spaces, trusted adults and engaging activities.
“When kids tell us to do more, we must act,” said Dr. Jennifer Zaspel, medical director for emergency mental behavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin.
Safe Summer Sites isn’t just about keeping kids busy. Leaders said this year’s programs are a response to students’ ideas and needs, and a commitment to their success and protection.
“They care to hear our voices,” Anthony Williams, a student at James Madison Academic Campus, where the news conference was held, said in an interview.
Williams said this year feels different; leaders are really listening.
Where are Safe Summer Sites in Milwaukee?
Summer Safe Sites are held at several MPS schools, including Andrew Douglas Middle School/Keefe Avenue School, Bay View High School, Madison High School, North Division High School, Obama SCTE, Pulaski High School, South Division High School and Washington High School.
City partners donated the $1.5 million funding the program. It will support resources for longer staff hours and a variety of free programming.
Leaders anticipate about 1,000 young people will be served in the school-based sites daily, presenting opportunities for mentorship and fellowship.
“It’s really important to build friendships and connections and just get engaged before the new school year starts,” said Stacey Flores, another student at James Madison Academic Campus.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Longer hours, extra weeks among changes to Milwaukee youth safe sites
Reporting by Elena Metinidis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elena Metinidis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
