Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced on Monday three summer programs he said are designed to prevent city youth from becoming ensnared in crime and violence, including a bonus offer of $1,000 to teenagers who work more than 100 hours during the summer.

Another key part of the initiative is to fill young people’s summer with activities, the mayor said, arguing that employment keeps the youth away from crime.     

“If you are a student right now in high school around Denver, deciding what you want to do for the summer and realize you don’t have a plan, this is designed for you,” Johnston  said of the incentive program. 

The programs the mayor outlined represent two direct investments, one totaling $1 million and the other offering a $500,000 grant to neighborhoods. The third program is a city-run service that gathers all youth serving programs and puts them under one roof, offering a “one stop shop” for parents citywide, Johnston said.

All told, the expected cost of the three programs is $1.7 million, according to the city of Denver.

Violent crimes in Denver have increased since 2016, when the violent crime rate roughly equaled the national rate. It became a focal point during the 2023 mayoral race, when Denver residents said they felt unsafe in and around city icons, such as Union Station, the 16th Street Mall and elsewhere.

Youth violence recently came into sharp focus after two separate incidents at East High School last year, when a student was killed in his car after school and a student shot two deans, and a high-profile shooting by a minor downtown that left six victims.

A Denver Gazette report found that overall youth crime rates in Denver have fallen, but there has been a spike in violent crimes. Murder committed by juveniles jumped by 210% since 2010. Other violent crimes only increased by about 15%.

Johnston’s administration said providing work opportunities and money for community events — block parties or barbecues or work — will help bend that curve.

“Research shows the more and more young people we employ, the fewer and fewer young people get caught up in the criminal justice system,” Johnston said. 

Under the new program, Denver’s teenagers can earn a $1,000 retention bonus after working for more than 100 hours during the summer. Johnston encouraged businesses — which are a critical part of the program, he said — to sign up to participate so youth they hire may be eligible for the stipend.

The mayor also encouraged young people to attend one of two jobs’ fairs coming up. A virtual fair will be held on May 24, while an in-person one will be held on June 1. Friday’s event will be held between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., while Saturday’s is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the PPA Event Center at 2105 Decatur St. in Denver.

The third program will offer $500,000 grants to neighborhoods and community members to put on community building events, such as basketball tournaments, Johnston said.

The Office of Children’s Affairs will lead this part of the new initiative. Executive Director Melissa Janiszewski said her office is working closely with Denver Public Schools and other partners to provide “impactful, pro-social activities” for kids over summer. 

She for too many families in Denver, summer is not a time for kids to partake in fun and enriching activities. Rather, they’re faced with limited access to meals, lack of safe and engaging spaces and increased risk of violence and harm, she said.

“Our goal here is to support families improve the loss of learning, provide skills building opportunities, connect youth to supportive adults, and improve community environments,” she said. “The Office of Children’s Affairs will be supporting a series of community pop up events throughout the summer. And these pop ups are a popular universal prevention activity aiming to support youth and their families.”