Richmond leaders say investing in ‘out-of-school’ programming has helped curb youth gun violence

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — On Wednesday, Richmond officials announced promising news regarding their efforts to discourage violence among young people — largely attributing the recent success to “out-of-school time” programming.

“Out-of-school time” is exactly what it sounds like — it’s the 80% of time where kids are not in school. According to Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, something as simple as having an outlet fill that time can literally be life-saving.

“It makes me a little emotional,” said the mayor at a press event on Wednesday afternoon.

Mayor Stoney is a new father himself — as evidenced by him getting glassy-eyed talking about the city’s strides against youth violence since he took over as mayor in 2017. According to the Richmond Police Department, 35 fewer children were shot in 2023 compared to 2017 — a 64% decrease.

“We are committed to expanding opportunities and ensuring every young person has a safe supportive space where they can thrive,” a speaker at Wednesday’s event said.

Richmond officials said on Wednesday that the city investing millions of dollars for out-of-school programming has provided kids with an outlet through organizations and agencies like the YMCA, Richmond Public Schools and the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

“95% [of Richmond children] reported they tried new opportunities within the out-of-school time opportunities they were engaged in.” one speaker noted. “95% said they found a trusted adult in their program to guide and support them.”

Officials said that, through the NextUp fund, around $900,000 annually has gone to community-based organizations that provide “enriching and safe programs for young people.” 20 organizations have been selected to collectively receive $328,823 to offer after-school programs geared toward engaging and supporting Richmond students this school year.

While officials showed great pride in both the decrease in violence and the city’s investment in its young people, they acknowledged that investing in after-school programs will not solve the issue of gun violence alone.

However, Mayor Stoney maintained a positive mindset, saying the city owes it to its kids to give them every chance to find leadership and opportunity, regardless of their circumstances.

“If under-privileged youth have the same opportunities [as those with more resources], they can be successful,” said Stoney. “This is what success looks like, but this isn’t the end of the road.”

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