SummerScapeBmore is the new catch-all for student programs when school’s out

Baltimore has a new scape, and this one is designed to keep students engaged during the summer: The city is gathering more than 300 programs offered for young people during their 10-week break from school under the umbrella of SummerScapeBmore.

The SummerScapeBmore title offers a way to centralize existing activities that take place throughout the summer and make them easier to navigate. Some programs provide college and career readiness opportunities, such as coding and STEM programming; others are just a chance to have fun. Many are either no-cost or low-cost to participants, and often include free meals.

In all, the effort is aiming to reach 28,000 Baltimore city students across a variety of activities, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said at a news conference on Wednesday.

“This year’s $31 million summer investment, coupled with the year-round collaboration of our public- and private-sector partners to provide out-of-school opportunities for students, is proof that our young people are a top priority in Baltimore City,” said Young in a statement. “We will reach more than 28,000 youth this summer. That’s a big number. But we know the need is far greater.”

It convenes the following initiatives:

• Baltimore City Public Schools programs that include extended learning, as well as coding, arts, debate and other activities.
• Job opportunities through YouthWorks, the summer employment program run by the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, which looks to once again provide 8,000 job opportunities.
• Programs run by organizations that receive support through the Summer Funding Collaborative, which itself brings together support from public, private and nonprofit institutions. Baltimore’s Promise awarded $3.4 million in funding to 88 programs, including Code in the Schools, Dent Education and Digital Harbor Foundation.
• Summer camps run by Baltimore City Parks and Recreation.