New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the return of the Summer Rising Program on Friday, March 11, 2022. With the announcement, Mayor Adams also explained how the program would expand this year.
Mayor Adams said the summer program would provide 110,000 elementary and middle school students an enjoyable academic, social, and emotional skills. The news of the return of the Summer Rising Program was well received by stakeholders and parents alike.
The revised summer school program for elementary and middle school students will be free, the same as last year. Academic courses will be taught in the morning, followed by activities provided by community-based NGOs in the afternoon.
“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.”
The Summer Rising Program will begin accepting applications in early April. The program will expand on Mayor Adams’ support for New York City youngsters, which began last month with his promise of 100,000 summer employment opportunities for the city’s youth.
Department of Education Chancellor David C. 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.”
Banks explained, “In collaboration with the Department of Youth and Community Development (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.”
K-8 programming will be provided at DOE schools in all five boroughs by DYCD-funded community-based organizations, with a focus on neighborhoods identified as having the greatest needs. In July and August, there will be six weeks of education, training, and activities for middle school students and seven weeks for elementary school students. Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students who have been recommended for additional academic support over the summer.
New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi commended the efforts of the mayor’s office for recognizing the importance of investing in our city’s youth. Biaggi said “In the past couple of years, we have witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects of the pandemic on our students, evident 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.”