SOUTH SALT LAKE — Several South Salt Lake junior high students had a unique part-time job: attend a summer math program.
They each earned $500 for completing the program. Their parents earned $500 for getting them there.
“We were blown away by the results,” said Carla Locatelli, program coordinator for Promise South Salt Lake.
Most of the students, who were referred to the program to catch up on their math, gained one or two years of progress during the six-week program.
The “Money For Math” program not only incentivized students to attend school during summer break, it allowed organizers to purchase the iReady math program and hire teachers.
“It was one of the coolest things I think that we’ve tried, to have such strong data that supports this kind of work,” said South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood.
Innovating to support kids
South Salt Lake is trying several innovative approaches to help kids in its city succeed, with the help of private donors, grant money and best practices tried in other cities.
In 2010, leaders in the South Salt Lake government, nonprofits and schools traveled to The Harlem Children’s Zone. HCZ started as a one-block pilot project to help children in poverty. It now has worldwide recognition for serving more than 10,000 families across 100 blocks in Harlem.
“It was an opportunity to see what would happen if we prioritized our youngest residents and making sure that they get through the educational system here in our community with a little bit (of) added support,” said Wood.
Last summer’s math program was so successful, they created a math academy after-school program at Granite Park Junior High.
The South Salt Lake Promise Partnership also has created community centers for every school in its city, that offer fun activities and academic tutoring, after school and during the summer.
“Giving opportunities to have some high-quality academics paired with enrichment and other learning activities,” said Director Kelli Meranda.
For students like Kanaya, the community centers provide a place where she can always find something to do.
“I’ve been doing boxing and I think it’s really fun. It’s a fun way to learn to defend yourself. it’s also really good to do if you’re bored,” she said.
Boxing clinic for students at South Salt Lake summer program. (Deanie Wimmer, KSL TV)
Youth crime rates plummet
The program also works closely with the South Salt Lake Police Department. Officers run a summer camp where each day, they take a few dozen kids on hikes, to water parks, the aviary, the zoo and other field trips.
Students attend summer camp with South Salt Lake Police. (Deanie Wimmer, KSL TV)
“It’s important for us to have that community outreach. It is important … for crime prevention and it makes a big impact because it keeps our youth engaged in positive activities,” said South Salt Lake Police Chief Danielle Croyle.
Crime among youth in South Salt Lake in recent years has gone down 85%.
This focus is part of Promise Partnership’s “Cradle to Career” pipeline to support kids — and their families — from the time they’re born until they get into a career. The first program “Baby and You” surrounds parents with support and familiarizes them with city resources.
The idea is that helping families with basic needs and stability will allow children to achieve their best educational outcomes.
100% High School Graduation
Now, the South Salt Lake Promise has focused on its next ambitious goal: 100% high school graduation in five years, at the feeder school in its community, Cottonwood High School.
According to the State Board of Education, Cottonwood’s graduation rates were 77% in 2024, the most recent data available. Leaders know it will take a concerted effort among community partners. But they also know the future of their city depends on these kids’ success.
“Our kids now are our future workforce, right? So, we’re just hoping that we can do some supports to help make that next generation feel as successful as possible as they’re entering the next stage of their life,” said Meranda.
Wood carried on this sentiment.
“They’re our priority and our future,” added Mayor Wood.
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