New York City will open 40 new free after-school program sites this fall, part of a larger plan to provide universal access to after-school services for elementary students by 2027. Mayor Eric Adams announced the expansion on Tuesday, July 22nd, highlighting a $21 million investment that will create 5,000 new seats for students in grades K–5 starting in September.
The new locations include 37 public schools and three charter schools across the five boroughs. Priority was given to neighborhoods with high needs, including areas lacking existing programs, those with high rates of poverty or violent crime, and communities with large numbers of students with disabilities or English language learners.
The expansion is part of a broader $331 million initiative announced in this year’s city budget negotiations. By the fall of 2027, the city plans to add nearly 20,000 more after-school seats, raising the total number of children served to 184,000 annually. The annual investment in the program will reach $755 million, with long-term funding secured in the city budget by fiscal year 2028.
Mayor Adams emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, noting that “learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom” and that creating safe spaces after school is essential to building a more affordable and supportive city for families.
Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar highlighted the administration’s efforts, describing the expansion as “real, meaningful support where it’s needed most” and a reflection of the city’s commitment to strengthening services for families.
Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Keith Howard explained that site selection was based on data from New York City Public Schools to identify areas of greatest need. He emphasized the program’s goal of alleviating the burden on working families by providing students with access to safe and enriching environments outside of school hours.
With the addition of these 40 sites, the total number of free after-school programs operating in the city is expected to rise to approximately 1,050 next year.
