Orlando Standard

On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will join City Commissioners to celebrate the graduation of 85 students from the Orlando Kidz Zone program. The ceremony will honor students from all four Kidz Zones - Engelwood, Mercy Drive, Parramore and Holden Heights - as well as other City of Orlando programs such as Youth Employment. The event will also see a record 35 scholarships being awarded.

The Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ), launched by Mayor Dyer in 2006, was Orlando’s first Kidz Zone and has been improving the well-being of children in Orlando’s highest poverty neighborhood for more than a decade. Following the success of PKZ through research-based youth programs funded by public and private donors, the Orlando Kidz Zone program was expanded to include three additional neighborhood centers.

Orlando Kidz Zones aim to reduce juvenile crime, teen pregnancy and high school drop-out rates in Orlando neighborhoods by investing in youth development, education and after school programs. These initiatives help Orlando students set goals toward a successful future. In 2023 alone, all four Kidz Zones served more than 2,400 students - a sevenfold increase in outreach thanks to the expanded program.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m., taking place at Camping World Stadium located at 1 Citrus Bowl Place.

For further information about this event or other City of Orlando initiatives please contact Ashley Papagni, Public Information Officer via email at ashley.papagni@orlando.gov or phone at 407.246.4275.