Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association takes pride in providing opportunities throughout the year, for all ages, to engage in fun environmental learning and creative expression. Especially during the summer, when DNDA’s Art team works in collaboration with a variety of organizations to facilitate the Summer Youth Program (SYP). It’s is a 6-week program from July to August that provides youth artistic, recreational, and paid internship opportunities at no cost.
Hosted at Neighborhood House and in various green spaces like Commons Park, the Summer Youth Program (SYP) is a focal point for the High Point community’s summer. In 2024, over 330 youth were engaged in DNDA’s programs alone. Every summer, thousands of kids are impacted by the diverse curriculum of programs and opportunities that SYP provides across High Point, New Holly, and Rainier Vista. Children can engage in fun and creative activities like Virtual Reality or Art in the Park, get moving with Youth Soccer or Field Games, or develop life-long skills through cooking classes and barber workshops. The SYP internship program also provides 12 youth from High Point a paid opportunity to develop professional skills while connecting with their community and more targeted programs like “Build A Dream” allow young girls to develop confidence and leadership skills under the guidance of a mentor.
The SYP program, and especially its wide mix of classes and opportunities, would not be possible without our partnerships with Seattle Housing Authority, Neighborhood House, the High Point library, and many more. DNDA is grateful to these organizations for their support and collaboration, and to the subcontractors who dedicate their time and skills to running these programs. With July upon us, DNDA’s Art team has been working hard with its partners and contractors to bring a fun and enriching summer to High Point, and we are excited to give youth foundational summer memories and skills that they will never forget.
-Written by DNDA’s Art Programs Specialist Claire De Benon
