Get Ready to Rise This Summer

Summer is about to get a whole lot more exciting for NYC students in grades K–12.

Beginning on Monday, April 26, New York City families can start signing up for Summer Rising, the City’s free summer program for any child in grades K–12 who wants to participate.

Summer Rising integrates the strength of the NYC Department of Education’s academics with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s school-based enrichment programming to help create bridges back to school this fall while giving parents peace of mind as they return to work. Available in every City neighborhood, Summer Rising programs will be full day, in-person experiences that will be run by local school leaders and trusted community-based organizations in safe and supportive environments. Each program will offer academic support, arts, and recreation, and staff members will be prepared to respond to students’ social and emotional needs. Summer Rising programs will also offer students local field trips to parks, pools, and other enriching outdoor venues that are educational and in accordance with State health and safety guidelines.

All Summer Rising programs will follow rigorous health and safety protocols, including social distancing and mask wearing, and every location will have access to testing, nursing support, and a telehealth call center. In addition, breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be served to each student.

Summer Rising for Grades K–8

Available for free to any City child in grades K–8 who wants to participate, including students with disabilities, Summer Rising for Grades K–8 prepares students for the next school year while also allowing them to reconnect with each other and their school communities. Each participating student will be able to learn and engage with their peers and caring adults through safe in-person access to academic classes and fun enrichment programming, including field trips, arts activities, and outdoor recreation. In addition, Summer Rising programs will address students’ academic and social emotional needs with tailored supports that will help prepare them for the upcoming 2021–2022 school year.

Summer Rising programs for students in grades K–8 will run across the City as follows:

Grades K–5

• • July 6–August 20 (except July 20)

• • Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Grades 6–8

• • July 6–August 12 (except July 20)

• • Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Students with 12-month Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

• • July 2–August 13 (except July 5 and July 20)

• • Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., with the option to stay for the extended day

Summer Rising High School

Summer Rising High School provides City high school students with a chance to make up previously failed courses, complete courses in progress, and participate in academic acceleration. Participating students will have access to academic and social emotional supports that are designed to meet the unique needs of older students. Students will also be able to engage in important career readiness opportunities, including the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and others.

Summer Rising High School programs are being designed in ways that meet the needs of their school communities and are based on student feedback. These programs may be in-person or remote, depending on subject area and community needs.

High school students participating in Summer Rising can expect the following schedule this summer:

Grades 9–12

• • July 6–August 13 (except July 20)

• • Schools will program students for courses and activities within Monday to Friday, at different hours throughout the day to accommodate your student’s schedule.

Students with 12-month Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

• • July 2–August 13 (except July 5 and July 20)

• • Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m., with the option to stay for the extended day

Registering for Summer Rising

Beginning on Monday, April 26, families with students in grades K–8 can sign up for Summer Rising programs through the Discover DYCD website. Schools will also be reaching out to families in the coming weeks to encourage them to sign up and help answer any questions.

High schools will reach out to students in the coming weeks to discuss participation and registration for Summer Rising programs. In addition, students with 12-month IEPs (all grade levels) will be contacted regarding programming and learning preferences (remote or in person).

All New York City students are eligible for Summer Rising programs. If your student is a City resident, but does not attend a DOE school, you should apply to a Summer Rising program that is in your neighborhood.

For more information about Summer Rising, visit our webpage, and stay tuned for more information from us and our schools in the weeks ahead!

On behalf of the DOE, we thank DYCD for their partnership in providing these summer experiences for our students and their families.

Banner photo by Ketut Subiyanto. Used under Creative Commons license. Original can be found on Pexels.