New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on March 11, the expansion of the Summer Rising program, connecting 110,000 elementary and middle school students to fun, culturally-relevant, hands-on experiences to strengthen their academic, social, and emotional skills this summer.

 

Enrollment began in April for Summer Rising, a free program that, according to City officials 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 follows the mayor’s 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 Adams, who visited Bronx Delta School in the Throggs Neck section of The Bronx for the announcement. “It’s time not just to catch up, but also to push our young people forward,” he added. “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.”

 

For his part, Chancellor David Banks said, “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.” He added, “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.”

 

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.

 

City officials said 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.

 

“In the past couple of years, we have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of the pandemic on our students, evidenced in academic challenges and social-emotional setbacks. Summer programs like Summer Rising are instrumental in supporting students by providing a fun and engaging environment to help them excel,” said State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D. 34) who represents parts of The Bronx and Westchester. “I applaud the mayor’s office, DYCD, and the Department of Education for expanding this crucial program and for recognizing the importance of investing in our city’s youth.”

 

“Summer programs are always critical for the well-being of our children and families. The new Summer Rising program will help provide expanded educational and social opportunities to students across the Bronx and New York City,” said Assembly Member Kenny Burgos (A.D. 85) who represents parts of The Bronx. “I applaud Mayor Adams, the DYCD, and the Department of Education for implementing this essential program, and I look forward to seeing its successful outcome.”

 

District 16 City Council Member Althea Stevens, who chairs the committee on youth services and represents parts of The Bronx, said she was excited for the expansion of the program. “It is vital for programs that provide unique, hands-on experiences for our young people, as it creates new opportunities for growth,” she said. “In these collaborative spaces, young people get the chance to connect and build professional relationships. Most importantly, they have the platform to discover their passions and effectively guide themselves on their future endeavors.”

 

District 11 City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, who represents the Northwest Bronx, said when the school year ends for summer, it doesn’t mean children should stop learning and participating in enrichment programming. “Addressing the social-emotional wellness of our kids is one of the most important investments we can make, and I thank Mayor Adams for expanding opportunities for our young people to continue their academic and social growth during the summer months,” Dinowitz said.

 

Bronx city council member, Oswald Feliz, who represents District 15, also welcomed the announcement. “I thank the mayor for focusing on educational initiatives that give the youth in our community the opportunity to engage and learn with different community organizations,” he said. “This exciting program will benefit children in my district, by helping them develop skills for their future and connecting them with leaders in their community. We need to continue emphasizing the importance that programs like Summer Rising will have in developing curious young minds and creating future leaders.”

 

For his part, District 12 City Council Member Kevin C. Riley, who represents areas of the North Bronx said quality and culturally competent programming were vital to New York families, especially in the summer months. “Summer programs provide endless opportunities for our youth to connect with the community and socially engage with each other,” Riley said. “I commend Mayor Adams for expanding the Summer Rising program to broaden the outreach of our community-based organizations. This plays a major role in supporting our families and shaping our districts.”

 

Finally, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said investment in communities started with investing in the youth, and she said the Summer Rising program did just that. “This program, which will provide 110,000 students with opportunities this summer, on top of the expansion of the Summer Youth Employment Program announced last month, demonstrates a real commitment from Mayor Adams and his administration to ensuring our youth have access to resources and opportunities that support their mental, emotional and developmental learning,” Gibson said.

 

She added, “Many of our youth were forced into social isolation as a result of the pandemic, and we need to ensure that they have the necessary support to heal from that trauma and safely build relationships with their peers. Thank you to Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, and everyone who collaborated to make this possible.”

 

Those interested in applying to the program can enroll here.