Frequently Asked Questions

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YouthCity Fact Sheet [12k]
YouthCity Facts & Figures [15k]

What is YouthCity?

YouthCity is Salt Lake City's youth program and is part of the city's public services department. YouthCity offers fun, enriching, neighborhood-based activities for children and teens after school and during the summer. YouthCity includes: after-school and summer, arts education, employment, community service and civics programs.

Why does Salt Lake City need YouthCity?

Salt Lake City is changing. There are more people – and more diversity – more families where both parents work, and more single parent households.

These changes bring many opportunities – and some challenges. Many parents aren't able to be home after school and during the summer, times during which research shows children are most likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.

Quality, affordable after-school and summer programs are in high demand and short supply. YouthCity specifically targets school-aged youths with innovative, enriching activities that offer productive alternatives and improve quality of life for parents, children and the community at large.

How long has YouthCity been around?

Shortly upon taking office in 2000, Mayor Rocky Anderson created the YouthCity program, which brought together existing youth programs, including Global Artways, the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center and YouthCity Government, and added new opportunities for youth. Today's YouthCity serves more young people and families than any other previous city youth program.

Whom does YouthCity serve?

School-aged Salt Lake City youth.

What kinds of activities does YouthCity offer?

YouthCity currently offers the following programs: 1) After-School and Summer, 2) the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center (serving the Glendale neighborhood), Global Artways (arts education), YouthCity Government (civic and community involvement for teens), YouthCity Employment and the YouthCity Refugee Youth and Family Consortium.

YouthCity also sponsors special activities such as the creation of murals along the TRAX line and throughout the city, the YouthCity Government Unity Groove dance, and Global Artway's Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration of Salt Lake City, an arts education festival.

How much do YouthCity programs cost?

YouthCity programs are low cost, and most are based on family size and income.

Where does YouthCity operate?

Current YouthCity locations include: the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center, Central City Recreation Center, Northwest Multipurpose Center, Glendale Middle School, Farimont Park and Liberty Park. YouthCity also operates in area schools, community centers and libraries.

Does YouthCity work with other youth programs?

Absolutely. YouthCity works with many other youth providers to collaborate on projects and help ensure that Salt Lake City youth have access to quality activities throughout the school year and summer.

How can I get involved with YouthCity?

YouthCity brings many segments of our community together to share in both the responsibility and rewards of ensuring the health, happiness and success of our young people. Local and national government organizations, private foundations and corporations, local businesses and individuals contribute financial, in-kind and volunteer support to YouthCity programs. If you would like to get involved, please contact Kim Thomas at 535-6129.