Aurora panel approves Cities in Schools contract for youth summer programs

An Aurora City Council committee has recommended a $183,000 contract with Cities in Schools to provide summer programs for youth in the city.

The agreement will continue a collaborative effort between the city and Cities in School for summer programs that have been ongoing since 2010.

Simon Rodriquez, Aurora’s director of youth services, said the city bids competitively for the contract every year, but “we found very few people who could meet” requirements like Cities in Schools.

The programs are summer camps for youth that sometimes include field trips and other experiences, he said.

“But more importantly, the smiling faces,” Rodriguez said.

Programs are free for participants, including transportation and admission when necessary. Last year, approximately 285 students participated in the programs at five different centers.

This year the programs are for the West Aurora School District at 724 Pennsylvania Ave. It will be held at Hill Elementary School at; O’Donnell Elementary School, 1640 Reckinger Road, in the East Aurora School District; Wheatlands Elementary School, 2290 Barrington Drive, Aurora, in Oswego-based School District 308; and Georgetown Elementary School in Indian Prairie School District 204, 995 Long Grove Drive, Aurora, or McCarty Elementary School, 3000 Village Green Drive, Aurora.

The final location has not yet been determined, Rodriguez said.

Also at 550 S. Lincoln Ave. in Aurora. There is a citywide drama camp at Bardwell Primary School.

Camps will run from June 3 to June 27 at the West Aurora and Oswego locations, as well as drama camp. Dates are June 5 through June 27 in East Aurora and Indian Prairie counties.

The Public Health, Safety and Transportation Committee unanimously recommended the contract, which the City Council General Committee will consider Tuesday night.

slord@tribpub.com