A new initiative called Summer Rising will offer free, in-person summer programming to any K-12 public school students who wish to participate (with some remote learning opportunities available). The program was announced on Tuesday, April 13 by Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter and Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Bill Chong. The programs offered through the initiative will aim to help students deal with the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their education.
“For the first time ever, the City will use the Community Schools strategy to integrate the New York City Department of Education’s (NYCDOE’s) academic supports and DYCD’s school-based enrichment programming to create a comprehensive summer program during the most critical summer for New York City students. Summer Rising will be student-centered, experiential, academically rigorous and culturally responsive and sustaining.”
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Applications for in-person K-8 programs will open on Monday, April 26, and families can sign up through the discover DYCD website. The programming for these students will be 5 days per week for 7 weeks, “providing critical childcare services for families as they return to the workplace.”
Students with 12-month IEPs will participate in a five-day a week program for six weeks. Middle school students will participate in a four-day a week program for six weeks, and high school students will participate in a five week program with tailored scheduling to meet their needs.
In addition, high school students will have the opportunity to engage in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and participate in the Public Schools Athletic League.
A press release states that schools will soon begin to reach out to families of high school students to confirm participation.
Summer school as we know it is OVER. Summer Rising is THE new model for @NYCSchools. Free programming, enrichment, and recreation for students all summer long to ensure New York City’s kids have the support they need as we move forward. pic.twitter.com/C5LeFhmLuS
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 13, 2021
The mayor continues to state that the program will combine “academics and cultural enrichment for the best summer yet.”
Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter says “Summer Rising will be a holistic experience that combines the power of strong academic supports, social emotional learning and enrichment programming.”
The initiative will offer service students in locations throughout the city, with almost half of all DOE school buildings offering programs.
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“Summer Rising will address immediate academic and social emotional needs of children and youth across the City. Planned and operated collaboratively by school principals and trusted community-based organizations (CBOs), programs for students in grades K-8 will be available citywide including tailored support for those who need academic support and students with disabilities. These programs will provide a bridge to next school year and allow students to re-connect with one another and with their schools, to ensure continued learning, and provide avenues for recreation, exploration, and fun. High school students will have access to academic and social emotional supports designed locally to meet the unique needs of older students.”
For more information about Summer Rising, please click here.
