Mayor Adams Announces Summer Enrichment Program for K-8 Youth

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES SUMMER LEARNING AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR K-8 YOUTH

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.

“Our children grow every day, and we need to take advantage of summer — especially given the challenges of the past few years,” said Mayor Adams. “It’s time not just to catch up, but also to push our young people forward. Summer Rising will supercharge last year’s program and provide 110,000 students in K-8 with more opportunities to grow, to learn, and to explore their talents and imagination.”

“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.”

“Summer Rising 2022 is the result of historic and substantial collaboration between many city agencies, nonprofit providers, families, and the young people themselves, and it will have a substantial impact on accelerating learning and catalyzing joy in young people as the city emerges from COVID-19,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright.

“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.”

In addressing the needs of young people, Summer Rising stresses “cultivating curiosity” and a lifelong joy of learning through:

• 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.

Bronx Delta School

650 Hollywood Ave

Bronx, NY

March 11, 2022