BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The YMCA, in collaboration with Boston Public Schools, has announced free summer memberships for all Boston teens through the “Get Summer” membership program. The program was part of the YMCA’s initiative to provide young people with safe and productive activities during the months away from school, according to a press release.
WBZ NewsRadio spoke to 11th grader Rafael Soto and asked him what he’s most looking forward to with his free membership for the summer.
“Honestly, the weight room, [and] the opportunities to play basketball,” he said.
Basketball and weightlifting are part of a long list of activities that students like Rafael will have access to this summer thanks to this program.
“Water activities, to science and STEM, to the arts and music, to academic enrichment, they really run the whole gamut,” said BPS School Superintendent Mary Skipper.
David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston, said that 1 in 3 teens in the area spent their time at a Y center. Shapiro told WBZ NewsRadio that he wants to break that record this summer.
“You are treated like any member of the Y from 0-100 when you’re a teen,” he said.
BPS is expecting over 26,000 students to get a free membership card, which will be effective from June 23 to September 2.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.