The Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) would provide funding to expand access for Baltimore’s young people to activities like athletics in schools, summer jobs, and youth violence reduction efforts as part Mayor Brandon Scott’s FY26 budget proposal.
“I am grateful for BCYF’s commitment to Baltimore’s young people,” Scott said. “BCYF continues to show incredible leadership in ensuring that our children have access to the opportunities they deserve – whether through sports, job training, or safe and engaging activities during the summer months. With this investment, BCYF is coming to the table with a major commitment to building a safer and healthier Baltimore for our young people.”
The budget will be reviewed by the Baltimore City Council, which must pass a budget by June 26, as required by the city charter.
Ahead of the upcoming FY26 budget release, Scott revealed his expectation that BCYF would establish a new youth athletics fund with an initial investment of $500,000, which would increase access to the athletic programs offered by Baltimore City Public Schools.
“Through sports, young people develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience – qualities that are essential for success in life,” said Alysia Lee, president and CEO of BCYF. “We are proud to build on the work Baltimore City Public Schools has already begun and to ensure that even more students have access to transformative athletic experiences.”
“We best enrich the lives of Baltimore City students when our community offers more opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools. “We are grateful for the additional support that builds on the school district’s expanded youth athletics offerings.
BCYF would also support YouthWorks with a $6 million investment, ensuring their nationally recognized summer jobs program can help as many as 8,500 young people find meaningful employment this summer. This program is run through the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED).
“We know that summer employment is one of the most effective ways to keep young people engaged and build career pathways,” said MacKenzie Garvin, director of MOED. “Thanks to BCYF’s incredible support, we are able to continue our impact and ensure young people are connected to job opportunities that will set them up for long-term success.”
Scott’s summer youth engagement strategy has helped reduce youth violence over the past two summers. BCYF would invest $1.5 million in this initiative for FY26 to continue the trend of reducing youth victimization and involvement in violence. The funding would provided outreach workers, structured programming, and safe spaces for young people throughout the summer months, all of which helps reduce youth violence.
“This is about investing in our young people holistically – in their futures, their well-being, and their safety,” Scott said. “Together, with BCYF, MOED, and Baltimore City Public Schools, we are ensuring that Baltimore’s young people have every opportunity to thrive.”
