Mayor Tim Keller Rolls Out Summer Youth Programs

May 25, 2018

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced the official start of summer for Albuquerque’s kids. With the launch of a new page on the City’s website and an information hotline, the summer programs and resources are now more accessible to families from all walks of life. Summer programs help keep kids off the streets and out of harm’s way and include recreational activities, free lunch programs, and learning opportunities.

“We’re making sure Albuquerque’s kids have fun, safe activities to keep them engaged over the summer,” stated Mayor Keller. “We’re offering lots of great opportunities, whether it’s swimming and tennis lessons, checking out the BioPark, meeting up with friends at our community centers, or eating a free lunch. And with the return of the ABQ Youth Bus Pass, our goal is make sure that young people can get somewhere they feel safe and engaged this summer.”

For many parents, summertime brings anxiety about how to find affordable, safe places for kids to play, learn, and explore. The City of Albuquerque has a selection of opportunities for every age and interest. For the first time, that information was compiled to be more accessible to parents from all walks of life here: https://www.cabq.gov/summer. Parents can also text SUMMER to 505-903-1234 to receive information on summer opportunities or call 311 to find a free lunch location or a summer program at a community center near them.

In addition to summer programs, Mayor Keller announced that his administration is bringing the ABQ Youth Bus Pass is back. 1,500 youth bus passes will be distributed for use from June 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018. This is phase one of an ongoing youth program that will be expanded in the coming years. Parents can get more information on the ABQ Youth Bus Pass at http://abqyouthpass.com.

The budget that passed earlier this week will allow the City of Albuquerque to double access to before-school, after-school and summer programs in the next fiscal year, one of Mayor Keller’s key initiatives.