Summer Rising Will Provide Arts, Recreation, and Exploration Opportunities for 110,000 Students
K-8 Program Part of Largest Summer Program Ever for New York City Young People
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced an expanded summer program that will connect 110,000 elementary and middle school students to fun, culturally-relevant, hands-on experiences to strengthen their academic, social, and emotional skills. Enrollment will begin in early April for Summer Rising, a free program that will be administered by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the New York City Department of Education (DOE). The program will build on the support Mayor Adams is already providing New York City youth after his announcement of 100,000 summer jobs for city youth last month.
“Summer is a critical moment to provide our young people with fun, engaging, and relevant opportunities to learn and grow, and we’re thrilled to partner with community-based organizations across New York City to make this the greatest summer yet,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “In collaboration with DYCD, we’re excited to offer families more seats, extended program hours, and more dynamic programming this year. Summer Rising will bring together the best of both academics and enrichment to provide families with a free, robust summer experience.”
“New York City’s community-based organizations stretch in remarkable ways to meet youth and community needs and have a long track record of blending fun, learning, and social-emotional growth into an impactful summer enrichment experience,” said DYCD Deputy Commissioner for Youth Services Susan Haskell. “DYCD and our network of providers, working in partnership with DOE, are excited to offer students lifechanging opportunities as part of the biggest and best summer ever.”
- Activities to develop their interests, build skills, foster conversations, and generate new experiences;
- Helping young people feel more socially connected to their peers, caring adults, school community, and city; and
- Social, emotional, and academic support.
Summer Rising builds on previous city summer initiatives by offering higher-quality program models, Friday sessions and optional extended hours provided by DYCD, more inclusive programming for District 75 students and those with 12-month Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and an earlier enrollment period, so families can better plan for their summer. K-8 students will also have access to other supportive resources and referrals to enrichment opportunities, including teacher-led English language arts and mathematics activities tailored to meet their needs, alongside field trips and arts activities.
DYCD-funded community-based organizations will provide K-8 programming at DOE schools in all five boroughs, with a concentration in neighborhoods identified as having the highest needs. Six weeks of programming for middle schoolers and seven weeks for elementary school students will be available in July and August. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with spots set aside for students who are recommended for additional academic support over the summer.
“Summer programs are an opportunity for young people to openly explore their interests and learning curiosities in a highly engaging and fun way,” said Erica N. Oquendo, division director, youth and family services, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. “Summer programming opens the doors to their imaginations, while fostering the development of social-emotional skills, supporting them academically, and cultivating their interests in the new and the unknown. It is a time of year that is critical in helping our young people to grow socially — setting the foundation for lifelong friendships and experiences that will help them define their path to success and truly have a safe space to just be a kid again.”
“We at FPWA commend Mayor Adams and his administration for expanding critical summer programming for children and youth throughout New York City, as summer enrichment and academic activities for elementary and middle school students have been proven vital to their healthy development,” said Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO, FPWA. “This programming is especially important in this moment in time, as so many of our children have been challenged by the COVID pandemic. FPWA and its human services agencies, and the non-profit sector at large, are both eager and ready to partner with the administration to ensure the program’s success.”
“Today’s historic announcement marks another tremendous investment by Mayor Adams to keep New York City’s youth learning and engaged during the critical summer months,” said Michelle Yanche, CEO, Good Shepherd Services. “By expanding the city’s summer enrichment and academics program, thousands more elementary and middle school students will have access to fun and enriching programs that help keep them on the path to success. We look forward to continuing to work with City Hall to help children in communities across New York City thrive.”
“With existing achievement gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, summer enrichment programming is critical now more than ever to keep students on track,” said Rigaud Noel, executive director, New Settlement. “This programming will provide young people with the opportunities they need to excel not only academically but also socially and emotionally. We thank the mayor’s office for their continued support of New Settlement’s summer programming and applaud them for investing in our city’s youth through this expanded initiative.”
“At Phipps Neighborhoods, we know how critical summer camp is to supporting our families and providing enrichment opportunities for our young people,” said Andre White, executive director and CEO, Phipps Neighborhoods. “As our communities heal from the impacts of COVID-19, summer programs are more vital than ever. With support from Mayor Adams and partnerships with New York City families, DYCD, DOE, and community-based organizations like Phipps Neighborhoods, we have the opportunity to create a holistic model for summer learning — one that provides pivotal experiences for young people to connect and build relationships with their peers, foster academic and social-emotional skills, explore career paths, and discover new interests in a safe environment. That is the summer our young people and families deserve.”
“Summer is a crucial time for young people, one where they can explore their interests, discover new passions, build friendships, and explore all that our city has to offer,” said Susan Stamler, executive director, United Neighborhood Houses. “United Neighborhood Houses applauds Mayor Adams and his administration for investing in summer programming early and for recognizing the importance of settlement houses and community-based organizations in this process. We thank the mayor and Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright for striving to build a partnership between DYCD’s community-based organizations and DOE to create high-quality program models that ensure young people are supported. We look forward to a summer centered on positive youth development for all those involved.”
“Today’s announcement marks another strong commitment from Mayor Adams to support New York City’s youth and families and combat summer learning loss,” said Sharon Greenberger, president and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York. “The administration’s vision for K-8th graders this summer will require a strong working relationship with community-based organizations like the YMCA. Coordination between all stakeholders — DOE, DYCD, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and community-based organizations — and adequate funding to hire and offer staff a living wage are critical elements for implementing a successful program. We look forward to welcoming thousands of happy campers back at the Y this summer!”
“The proverb stating, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ could not resonate truer for me,” said Liz Pizzaro, mother of student Lizandra Robinson. “The P&J Beacon program has been part of my village for the past seven years. As a single, full-time working mother of two daughters, both of whom have been program participants, I don’t know how I could have done it without them. The program has reaffirmed the values, skills, and morals that I have worked hard to impart to them at home: respect for others, belief in oneself, and an understanding of the importance of community. The peace of mind in knowing that they were safe after school, during half-days, weekends, and during the summer, also afforded me a higher level of job security. The no-cost programming has also been a blessing and allowed me to continue to provide for their daily needs without sacrificing their ability to be engaged.”
“The P&J Beacon program is important to me, because it helped transform me into the young lady I am. I’ve been with the program for five years, and I really enjoy the afterschool program, holiday camp, and summer camp. The program has shown me how to be independent and show leadership. The group leaders and the activities we do are fun and help me learn. I am grateful for all of the great memories I’ve made with P&J,” said fifth grade student Lizandra Robinson.
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