De Blasio urges children to apply for summer enrichment
Appearing at a Middle School in the Bronx yesterday, Mayor de Blasio announced the selection of the 271 providers that will oversee expanded after-school programs for middle school students throughout the five boroughs beginning in September, and also encouraged middle school youth to take advantage of free summer enrichment programming.
“Middle school is a tumultuous time for teenagers, and we need to ensure we are giving them the resources to support their development beyond the school day,” said the Mayor. “Whether it’s finding a passion in art, playing sports, or getting extra time to focus on academics our students are struggling with, after-school programs are critical to our young people’s educational experience.”
As a result of a Request for Proposals (RFP) released by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) in March, middle school students will have access to after-school programs in 562 schools beginning this fall, a 142 percent increase over the current 231. The number of seats citywide will jump 76 percent, to more than 79,300. Overseeing the new programs will be 108 eligible community-based organizations, nearly half of which currently do not operate a DYCD-funded after-school program. A separate RFP for non-public schools and community sites will be issued this fall.