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Baltimore Mayor Announced More Funding For Youth Programs

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Baltimore City's recent push for youth programs continues to grow.

Amy Yensi has more on how after school programs will be affected.

The city is pouring in millions of dollars into after-school programs. Some of that money will kick in this summer.

Their role in April's unrest, three teenagers shot this weekend alone and the recent spike in violence is putting the spotlight on Baltimore City's youth.

Many say teenagers are getting into trouble because they don't have enough safe places to go or positive things to do when they're out of school.

"Normally, we think nobody cares about us," said student Lamark Roberson.

Now a possible boost: an additional $4.2 million in funding for nearly 1,200 after-school slots for kids and six new community schools in the city.

"This additional support will help to make sure that more of our young people have the opportunities that we know that they need in the critical periods outside of school," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

The out-of-school funding is part of a concerted effort to target young people and keep them on the right track.

The city recently increased funding for summer jobs, school construction and the first recreation enters in a decade.

"We want to be proactive instead of being reactive," said City Council President Bernard "Jack" Young.

"Seeing is believing because it might work this summer> It might have money this summer," said Inez Brockington. "Next summer is something else."

"It's given us an opportunity for the students to say, `Hey, well, this happened but this is how we're coming from it. This is how we're building from it,'" said student Amara Boone.

Building a safe haven amidst the violence plaguing the city.

We may see the impact of this funding soon; the new fiscal year starts July 1.

The city plans to break ground on two new recreational centers later this year.

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