FOX 17 launches new initiative to combat transportation barriers for teens

FOX 17, in partnership with The Rapid and The Village99, is launching a new initiative under our A Path Forward campaign.

Since launching our campaign last year, we've met with community leaders and organizations to learn more about barriers youth in West Michigan face to build a positive future.

One of the major concerns shared with us is access to transportation.
"We want to be able to combat all of those challenges that our youth are facing, and we want to give them solutions to be able to get to and from work so that they can make money."said Ashley Burgin Director of Operations Village99.

Now we are proud to announce the launch of A Rapid Path Forward, which will provide one-month passes for rides on The Rapid for teens. The aim is to help teens who have a job but struggle with reliable transportation, and also encourage others to find employment knowing they have a way to get to their job.

"If we can provide access to transportation, they get a kid to a job, he or she, that job might be the impact of the one degree difference that impacts their entire life,
While this is a small step to push our community forward, we hope it is a spark to inspire positive change."said TJ Meerman Village99 Executive Director.

Funding for the initiative comes from a $10,000 grant through the Scripps Howard Fund. That money will provide 300 bus passes to area employers and nonprofits, which will be responsible for handing the passes to their teen workers. The passes will be valid July 1 through July 31.

"It's our obligation to do good in the community and address different obstacles and problems and figure out how to solve the problems." said Kim Krause Fox 17 Vice President General Manager.

Businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to apply for the passes . The application window is open June 21 through June 26.

More stories on FOX 17 A Path Forward

Check out our list of community resources available to help in West Michigan.

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