WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

The City of Winston-Salem is calling on local businesses and community organizations to help create more opportunities for young people this summer through employment and youth programming.

City leaders will host a community informational meeting focused on summer jobs and camp opportunities at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Salem Lake in the Dr. Virginia K. Newell Room, located at 815 Salem Lake Road.

According to city officials, the meeting comes in response to recent youth summits and surveys centered on youth violence and community engagement. During those discussions, many young people identified summer employment and earning income as one of their top priorities.

Mayor Allen Joines said the city is encouraging local businesses to partner with the community by hiring youth ages 16 to 18 during June and July. Officials also announced that the city plans to make a significant investment in youth opportunities this summer.

Several city and community leaders are expected to attend the meeting, including Council Member Annette Scippio, Police Chief William Penn Jr., City Manager Patrick Pate, and former District Court Judge Denise Hartsfield, who is helping coordinate community engagement efforts.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for summer camp providers to share information about programs available for youth ages 11 to 15. City officials said the gathering is designed to connect families, employers, and organizations while expanding access to safe and productive summer activities.

During the meeting, city representatives will outline plans to hire part-time summer staff and discuss ways local businesses and organizations can support youth employment efforts and broaden access to summer enrichment programs.

City leaders say strengthening opportunities for youth is a key part of ongoing efforts to address violence prevention, mentorship, and long-term community investment.