Applications remain open to apply for the City’s Summer Rising program until March 25, as well as a number of other City youth programs. Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and Commissioner Keith S Howard of NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) are encouraging applications to various summer programs from the City’s youth such as the Summer Youth Employment Program, Summer Rising and Saturday Night Lights, along with adult literacy programs.  

 

Castro has highlighted the importance of summer youth programs for what he said was the enrichment, safety, and education of school-aged New Yorkers. “Summer programs create excellent opportunities for young immigrant New Yorkers. They not only help with education but allow the next generation of New Yorkers to explore interests and activities that may not be available to them during the school year,” Castro said.

 

He continued, “Sanctuary policies like those in place in New York City not only build trust between the residents of New York and the city government, but are also a clear indicator that providing newly arrived immigrants the opportunities and resources they need lead to their overall success and prosperity in their new home” 

 

Summer Rising

Summer Rising is free and available to all NYC students in grades K-8, pending seat availability, regardless of immigration status. Check the Summer Rising website for updates and more information. Students in Summer Rising will have access to both academic and enrichment programming over the day, including field trips, art activities, and outdoor recreation. Programs will be full-day, in-person, and planned and operated collaboratively by school principals and community-based organizations (CBOs). The environment will be safe and supportive with staff prepared to respond to children’s social and emotional needs. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be served. Applications are open.  Read one of our previous stories on this topic here. 

 

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

The nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer.

 

Through SYEP, participants can explore different interests and career pathways, develop productive workplace habits, and engage in learning experiences that strengthen their social, civic, and leadership skills. By participating in structured projects and work-based opportunities, NYC youth are better prepared for careers of the future.  

 

The application deadline for SYEP has been extended to March 15, 2024. Applications can be accessed on the DYCD website. 

 

Saturday Night Lights

Saturday Night Lights is a youth development and violence prevention program that is aimed to provide free high-quality sports and fitness activity for youth ages 11-18.  Learn more about the Saturday Night lights programming locations and times here. Read our previous stories on the program here and here.

 

Adult Literacy Programs

The Adult Literacy Program is a partnership with the New York City Adult Literacy Initiative (NYCALI), the City’s system for providing literacy and English language services for adults and out-of-school youth over the age of 16. 

 

Programs offered include: 

·         Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs that teach reading, writing and math to native English or English-fluent speakers; 

·         GED programs that prepare students for the tests required to receive a high school equivalency diploma. 

·         English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes that help students improve their English language communication skills 

 

Learn more about DYCD’s programs at www.nyc.gov/dycd.