Summer is here—and that means DYCD has just published our annual New York City Youth Guide to Summer Fun, a citywide calendar of family-oriented events and resources through August 31. If you want to cool off at the beach, picnic in the park or just explore another borough, this guide has a wide range of free or low-cost events and activities. Download a copy of the guide today!

Curious about what services and programs your neighbors want to see in your community? DYCD had released the Community Needs Assessment after surveying youth, adults, employers, faith-based leaders, public school principals, program directors, elected officials, and others. Among the top priorities identified were education and employment/career advancement opportunities. The Community Needs Assessment has been published on the DYCD website, so check it out.

On June 16, the top 10 Step it Up NYC teams took over Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater stage for the annual night of performances and calls to action. Throughout the competition, dance and step teams planned community service projects and developed citywide social campaigns to speak up about issues that impact their communities, including education, health, equality and opportunity, peace and tolerance, and safe communities. This year, nearly 100 teams and 1,000 young people auditioned for Step It Up NYC. Check out photos from the final showcase on our Facebook page and visit our YouTube site for the great PSAs created by the talented Step it Up teams.

On June 17, DYCD hosted the 10th annual Father’s Day event in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Hundreds of young people joined their dads, guardians and father figures for indoor activities and games designed to encourage physical activity and bonding between dads and their children. Some of the planned activities included face painting, basketball activities, board games, arts & crafts, skating, sports skill challenges, Pinewood Derby races, and free health screenings. Check out our photos.

Lights, Camera, Action! The 3rd annual SONYC Film Festival took place on June 17. The festival celebrates New York City’s youngest and best filmmakers from all SONYC middle school afterschool programs. We encourage participants/film groups to pick up a camera and produce their short film for a chance to win BIG prizes. Click here for photos from the event; then grab your popcorn and visit our YouTube channel for the award-winning films.

Did you know the New York City Department of Education’s #FreeSummerMeals program will be available at hundreds of public schools, pools, parks, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) complexes, libraries, and other locations around the city? No registration, documentation, or ID is required to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal for New Yorkers 18 years old or younger. Download the SchoolFood App to find #FreeSummerMeals near you.

Mark your calendars—this summer Broadway comes to public parks and plazas throughout the City when the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment presents a spectacular lineup of shows for “Broadway in the Boros: 2017.” These live performances will feature the casts and musicians from hit Broadway musicals, and are free and open to all. Join them at noon on Friday, July 21 with stars of “Anastasia” and “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” in the Socrates Sculpture Park at 32-01 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens. There will be special giveaways of t-shirts and free tickets to see the shows on Broadway. To find out more about the other free performances, visit the official website.

Now that summer is officially here, take in some fresh air and catch a flick at the same time! The New York City Parks Department brings Hollywood to parks throughout the five boroughs. So, grab your blanket and a few friends, pack some snacks, and check out these show times.

What began in 1974 as a one-day tribute to Harlem has evolved over four decades into a month-long celebration of Harlem’s rich economic, political and cultural history. Things kick off on July 30 with “A Great Day in Harlem” and reach a fever pitch during the bursting-at-the-seams weekend of events held under the banner of “Summer in the City” (August 19) and “Harlem Day” (August 20), including an auto show, children’s festival, small business expo, fashion show, educational fair, outdoor film screening, and more. Click here for the full list of events and activities.

Bike New York is a nonprofit that promotes and encourages bicycling and bicycle safety through education, community outreach, and events. Their Youth Ride Club is a free program for young people ages 10 to 18 and teaches the mechanics of riding a bike, the rules of the road, and best practices for riding in a group. Beginner and experienced riders are welcome. For more information, visit Bike New York.

The Mayor’s Office Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain experience and develop the capacity to solve New York City’s most pressing issues. The mission of the Mayor’s Office Internship Program is to build a diverse pipeline of future public service leaders. This highly selected diverse group of men and women collaborate with staff to better the Office of the Mayor and New York City. For more information, visit their website.

New York is now home to the nation’s first accessible college program, the Excelsior Scholarship. Under this groundbreaking program, more than 940,000 middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 per year will qualify to attend college tuition-free at all CUNY and SUNY two- and four-year colleges in New York State. The new program begins in the fall of 2017 and will be phased in over three years. In order to apply, you must be a resident of New York State; attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year degree program; take 30 credits per calendar year (including January and summer sessions); and plan to live and work in New York following graduation for the length of time you participate in the scholarship program. The deadline is July 21. Apply here.

As part of its efforts to support youth volunteerism, the Karma for Cara Foundation (K4C) started a microgrant program in fall 2014. They are encouraging kids 18 and under to apply for funds between $250 and $1,000 to complete service projects in their communities. Whether it is turning a vacant lot into a community garden, rebuilding a school playground, or helping senior citizens get their homes ready for winter, they want to hear what project you’re passionate about. If you are interested in applying for a K4C microgrant, please click here to download an application. The deadline is October 1. For more information, visit their website.

Looking for an afterschool program in your neighborhood? Need information on improving reading skills or finding the nearest community center? The web application discoverDYCD allows you to search in multiple languages for DYCD-funded programs. You can search by borough, neighborhood or zip code, and discoverDYCD provides contact information, activities offered, and a mapping feature with navigation.
Categories of services include: Afterschool Programs, Family Support, Literacy Services, Youth Services and so much more! We hope you find discoverDYCD useful as you take advantage of the diverse resources and opportunities that New York City has to offer.