Mayor Adams Announces Summer Learning and Enrichment Program for K-8 Youth

March 11, 2022

Video available at: https://youtu.be/rwk5eoEQYKk

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 – 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.

“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 New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. “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.”

“Building a habit of lifelong learning starts early. This Summer Rising program expansion cements the city as a partner in fostering youth engagement beyond the school year,” said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “I welcome this investment in our young people, and I applaud Mayor Adams for prioritizing this program.”

“Fun and play are two of the best things about childhood, so there is no better way to help children learn and grow than providing fun-filled activities that engage their interests,” said New York State Senator Simcha Felder. “This is a wonderful initiative from the mayor’s office.”

“Enriching summer activities are vital for helping our children grow and learn beyond the traditional classroom,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman. “The city’s Summer Rising program will offer these important opportunities to over 100,000 K-8 New Yorkers, all of whom have lived through the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Summer Rising is a strong investment in K-8 youth, many of whom have experienced isolation and learning loss,” said New York State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “In-person summer educational programming for 100,000-plus youth will certainly help mitigate pandemic-era learning loss, while bringing young minds together for activities and social engagement.”

“Summer Rising will be a great way for our youth to thrive and use their free time productively,” said New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. “After the isolation and restrictions of the pandemic, it is time for these future leaders to get out there and soak up all of the learning, recreation, and enjoyment that this city has to offer.”

“I applaud Mayor Adams’ announcement to expand the city’s summer programming for over 100,000 students,” said New York State Senator Diane J. Savino. “Experiences matter, and a focus on social and emotional skills, along with academic help, can be all the difference in a child’s life. The expansion of programs like this offers a wraparound approach to services that elementary and middle school students need in order to succeed.”

“I am grateful to Mayor Adams, his administration, DOE, and DCYD for their commitment to our children, especially during the summer months,” said New York State Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, chair, Committee on Children and Families. “This new Summer Rising program is a great way to keep youth engaged outside of school and provide them with resources, community connections, and skill building. Expanding this program to more kids across our city, at no cost to them, is a smart investment in not only their individual futures but also the future of our great city.”

“For Black and brown youth across New York City, the expanded Summer Rising program will help combat learning loss, address food insecurity, and promote social-emotional learning for our adolescents in grades K-8. As working-class families recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, this free enrichment program also serves as much-needed relief that will help our families get over the hump,” said New York State Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson. “My office has hosted several SYEP youth interns from Southeast Queens and has witnessed its multiplier effect uplifting entire families and communities. I commend Mayor Adams for his historic investment in citywide summer enrichment programs and urge the mayor to provide more funding year-round so that our youth, families, and communities have a fighting chance 365 days a year.”

“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 New York State Assemblymember Kenny Burgos. “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.”

“I’m so thrilled that more than 100,000 New York City kids will be able to access engaging, exciting, and enriching hands-on experiences this summer, thanks to Mayor Adams’ Summer Rising,” said New York State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. “In combination with the Summer Youth Employment Program, summer 2022 can truly be a time for growth and joy for our young people. I encourage all families to apply!”

“Young people are our future, and we need to invest in their development. I am incredibly excited by Mayor Adams’ announcement of the Summer Rising program,” said New York State Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs. “Along with the 100,000 summer jobs for New York City youth he recently announced, our city is setting up the next generation for success, by providing ample opportunities for academically, socially, and emotionally beneficial programs.”

“In order to keep our communities safe and healthy, it is important that we provide our youth with summer activities that are rewarding, enriching, and educational,” said New York State Assemblymember Chantel Jackson. “I believe that the mayor’s Summer Rising program will help to achieve this goal, and I look forward to the benefits it will bring."

“The mayor of ‘Getting Stuff Done’ has done it again with Summer Rising, which will light the fire of imagination for our young people during the summer and year-round,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “At a time when the pandemic has disrupted students’ educations for three consecutive school years, we must do everything in our power to keep them engaged and learning during the summer months. Besides helping children, our mayor is lifting the financial burden of camp or daycare for hundreds of thousands of working-class parents during the summer months. I salute Mayor Adams for this wonderful program.”

“We, as elected officials, are responsible for employing every resource necessary to close the achievement gap for young learners, especially BIPOC students and those with IEPs,” said New York State Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman. “I want to commend Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, and DYCD for instituting the Summer Rising program, which will provide essential wraparound services and culturally responsive academic experiences to students most impacted during the COVID-19 epidemic. The early enrollment period and extended hours will save parents the stress of searching for appropriate and affordable programs for their children. This program is a win-win for all of our families.”

“It is important for all kids to strengthen any life skills, even at a young age, to put them on the path of success and responsibility,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “With the expansion of this summer program, students will learn to act and think on their feet, building the skills they need through fun and interactive lessons.” 

“When we invest in our youngest New Yorkers, we invest in our families, our city, and our collective future,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “This new, free enrichment program, coupled with the record amount of summer youth jobs made available for our children, will undoubtedly impact them and their families for the better. I thank the mayor for his partnership in prioritizing our future leaders.”

“I applaud Mayor Adams for his leadership for Summer Rising. This program will improve the lives of young people in a meaningful way,” said New York City Councilmember Rita Joseph, chair, Committee on Education. “Summer programming is absolutely for our young people, but, too often, it does not get the attention that it deserves. I’m thrilled that we have a mayor who understands the value of supporting our young people.”

“I am excited for the expansion of the Summer Rising program into our communities,” said New York City Councilmember Althea Stevens, chair, Committee on Youth Services. “It is vital for programs that provide unique, hands-on experiences for our young people, as it creates new opportunities for growth. 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.”

“Every kid should have access to safe, fun summer activities that keep them engaged while school is out,” said New York City Councilmember Shaun Abreu. “This investment in Summer Rising is going to take pressure off of working parents and set 110,000 children on the path to success. Summer Rising is an excellent remedy to summer learning loss and much needed for all of the kids who have suffered from the social isolation that came with the pandemic.”

“Summer Rising is a great opportunity for children to continue learning and be able to socially interact with their peers,” said New York City Councilmember Joann Ariola. “For working parents, it allows for a continued routine through most of the summer and the relief of knowing that their children are in a fun and safe environment.”

“Creating employment and engagement opportunities for our city’s young people during the summer months is critical. Investments like these ensure that even after a pandemic, our children can continue to strengthen their skills,” said New York City Councilmember Alexa Avilés. “I applaud the mayor’s announcement that Summer Rising will continue for another year, and I hope that together, we can continue to work on providing expanded free, high-quality, and affordable opportunities for elementary-aged students, including our students with disabilities, that build their social, emotional, and academic skills, while allowing their parents to remain employed for a full work day.”

“I am so excited by the expanded programing of Summer Rising through the DOE and the DYCD for students in grades K-8,” said New York City Councilmember Diana Ayala. “The DOE’s academic best practices and DYCD’s school-based enrichment programing will foster the social, emotional and enrichment development of our youth. I want to thank Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, Deputy Commissioner Haskell, and the community-based groups for coordinating this partnership that will also allow families access to supportive services and enrichment opportunities.”

“When the school year ends for summer, that doesn’t mean our children should stop learning and participating in enrichment programming,” said New York City Councilmember Eric Dinowitz. “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.”

“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,” said New York City Councilmember Oswald Feliz. “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.”

“Summer Rising has always been very popular in my district, and I am pleased that Mayor Adams is expanding this program to 110,000 students this year,” said New York City Councilmember James F. Gennaro. “Summer Rising plays a crucial role for our community youth, giving them an opportunity to explore their interests, learn creatively, and socialize. That is especially important coming out of a two-year-long pandemic, where so many children have been lacking the opportunities to develop new friendships in a school setting. I applaud Mayor Adams, DYCD, and DOE for the steadfast commitment to provide students — and their families — much-needed enrichment during the summer months.”

“Summer Rising is an incredible opportunity for our young people to have a fun and enriching summer that will provide them with invaluable life skills,” said New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks. “The COVID-19 pandemic deprived our children of so many experiences that are absolutely vital for their academic, social, and emotional development. I commend the mayor on expanding our youths’ summer programming in such a meaningful way. My office looks forward to working with our community partners, DYCD, and the DOE to encourage widespread participation in Summer Rising and SYEP."

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, school children have perhaps suffered more than any other segment of our population,” said New York City Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse. “They experienced social isolation and lost many academic and extracurricular opportunities, and a recent report found that early reading skills were at a 20-year low this fall. I commend Mayor Adams for expanding summer learning and social activities to over 100,000 students who desperately need the extra help to make sure they don’t get left behind.”

“Summer Rising is the exact type of program to which the city should be committing its resources,” said New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé. “Too many New York children are without fun, fulfilling, and productive ways to spend their summers. That 110,000 elementary and middle school students will have access to this type of enrichment is an excellent complement to the Summer Youth Employment Program and a major success, and it should be hailed as such. Summer Rising will provide these youth with programming to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally — to the benefit of our city and the families of District 36.”

“Summer programs are such tremendous opportunities for children to explore their interests, gain knowledge, and learn new skills in a fun, engaging way,” said New York City Councilmember Keith Powers. “I am thrilled that Mayor Adams is expanding summer opportunities for so many children across the city. With so many students lagging behind due to the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that the city is investing in our youth and prioritizing their future.” 

“It's critical that we invest in helping our young people catch up from lost learning time due to COVID,” said New York City Councilmember Lincoln Restler. “I’m eager to support the administration’s plan to strengthen the educational and social experience of K-8 students.”

“Quality and culturally competent programming are vital to our New York families, especially in the summer months,” said New York City Councilmember Kevin C. Riley. “Summer programs provide endless opportunities for our youth to connect with the community and socially engage with each other. 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.”

“I want to thank Mayor Eric Adams for his commitment to expanding programming to keep school children engaged during the summer months,” said New York City Councilmember Sandra Ung. “We know that COVID and the months spent in remote learning and virtual isolation took an emotional, social, and educational toll on our children. So, as we emerge from the pandemic, offering children even more opportunities to interact with their peers, while also keeping them intellectually engaged, is a win-win. I look forward to offering some of these new programs in my own district.”

“Today’s announcement about the Summer Rising program is a welcome opportunity for my community that for too long has been ‘outer borough, out-of-mind,’” said New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez. “With some schools shuttered and remote-only during the pandemic, these summer enrichment and learning programs afford children an equitable educational resource that has long been needed,” “I want to thank Mayor Adams for making our children a priority, DOE Chancellor Banks, the Department of Youth and Community Development, and other organizational partners for their investment in inclusive summer youth programming.”

“The Summer Rising program is an opportunity for our students to extend their academic experience and engage with peers through enrichment activities,” said New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams. “With the extended hours, it also allows working parents to have a sense of relief as their kids engage in academic and enrichment support, without worrying about their safety. Putting the needs of the students and families first, while providing adequate access to opportunities to grow and expand their young minds, is of the utmost importance. I support the mayor’s initiative and drive, I would like to thank him for providing our students with a robust summer experience, and I look forward to supporting our students and school administrators for this year’s Summer Rising program.”

"As we start evolving to a new phase of COVID, we need to ensure youth has access to opportunities to recover from the challenges of this pandemic and to succeed. I commend the administration for increasing resources that will keep students learning and productive during the summer months––this is how we invest in our communities. I encourage families to enroll their children," said New York City Councilmember Francisco Moya, chair of the subcommittee on COVID Recovery and Resiliency.

"Investment into our communities starts with investing in our youth, and the Summer Rising program is doing just that," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "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. 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."

“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.”

“As the nation’s largest tennis and education afterschool provider, New York Junior Tennis & Learning supports DYCD and DOE’s expanded summer program and sees the importance of engaging youth through highly engaging afterschool activities that connect them to their peers and communities, promote social and emotional learning, and cultivate curiosity and fun through building and acquiring new skills,” said Udai Tambar, president and CEO, New York Junior Tennis & Learning. “It’s great to see the city support the needs of its low-income communities during these crucial summer months.”

“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!”

“We applaud Mayor Adams and his administration for taking action today to build out city summer initiatives, offering summer programming to 110,000 elementary and middle school students that will include extended service hours, serve special populations, and offer an earlier enrollment period, so families and providers can better plan for summer,” said Jennifer March, PhD, executive director, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York. “Summer programming is a win-win-win for youth, families, communities, and the New York City economy. Direct investments in New York's young people go a long way to keep them safe and ensure they access enrichment and academic opportunities among their peers, while enabling parents to continue working. Today's announcement marks a sea change for New York City’s youth services system, and we look forward to working with the administration to ensure that youth citywide benefit this summer and that we continue to create more pathways of opportunity for New York's youth and support working parents.”

“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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