Investing in Our Future: Summer Programs for Muskegon’s Kids

This policy comes from listening.

One of the first conversations I had after announcing my candidacy for Mayor was with a Muskegon Heights police officer. I asked him, “What would really move the needle for you?” His answer was simple — and powerful:

“Real summer programs for kids.”

His statement stuck with me. And I kept listening.

After hearing from parents, educators, and public safety professionals, one thing is clear: one of the best investments we can make as a community is in our kids — especially during the summer months.

Across Muskegon, nonprofit and faith-based organizations are already stepping up. Groups like Taking Back Muskegon, Pathfinders, Kingdom Embassy, the Boys and Girls Club, Bethany Church, Mount Zion Club 188, and Muskegon ISD - to name a few - work hard every summer to give kids safe, fun, and meaningful experiences.

But these groups face challenges — funding, transportation, meals, staffing, and the growing number of kids who need opportunities.

As a community, we can help.

Not by creating another big government program, but by connecting and expanding the programs we already have — and the incredible local resources that make Muskegon special.

Imagine partnerships between our existing youth programs and organizations like Grand Valley’s Vessel Education Program, the Muskegon Lumberjacks and The Arena, the West Michigan Symphony, the Muskegon Museum of Art, and the City Parks & Recreation Department.

In listening to leaders from these organizations, I heard the same thing — they’re excited to collaborate and want to help. They already have the expertise and programming. We just need to make the connections, solve for transportation, and bring kids and families together with the people and institutions that make this city extraordinary.

The benefits of summer programming go far beyond keeping kids busy, it:

• reduces youth-related crime and summer boredom

• gives parents peace of mind

• helps kids discover new interests, talents, and confidence

• most importantly, it tells every child in our city that all of Muskegon is for them.

Working together — families, nonprofits, schools, and city partners — we can make summers in Muskegon something truly special.