The Summer of 37 Kids and Revite NERDS

With approximately 1,300 youth living in the Lawrence Heights and Neptune communities, summer youth employment is in high demand. Parents and youth typically start inquiring about summer employment opportunities as early as February each year. In an effort to respond to the need, over the past five years, the Revitalization Team has created summer employment for approximately 50 youth annually through two flagship programs: 37 Kids and Revite NERDs (Neighbourhood Experts in Revitalization Developments). 

The youth who are hired support the revitalization team in a variety of ways during the summer, with community engagement and outreach. They also learn and use skills beneficial to their professional development and future careers.   

Established in 2018, the 37 Kids Program employs youth between the ages of 13 and 18. The focus of the program is largely around safety and social media use.  

In 2023, the 37 Kids program saw youth benefit from additional opportunities to be engaged and meaningfully participate in their communities while developing their skills in event planning, the arts, consultation and outreach. Not only did the 37 Kids and Revite NERDs program participants get to contribute to and support the planning around Lawrence Heights’ 10th Anniversary, but they were also able to go on several excursions and field trips including to the Toronto Zoo and a Toronto Raptors event at Scotiabank Place. 

Visit the Lawrence Heights page to learn more about the revitalization project.