The free summer tutoring and extracurricular activities program “Summer Rising” opened for applications on March 4th, providing free academic and extracurricular activities for kindergarten to eighth-grade students. The deadline for registration is March 28th.
This year, 115,000 students will be eligible to participate, including students from all New York City public schools, charter schools, and private schools. The program supports student learning and provides opportunities for academic enrichment, offering not only field trips, art activities, outdoor recreation, but also free and nutritious breakfast and lunch for all students.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has helped students maintain learning continuity during the summer break and provided parents with free summer care services, garnering widespread praise from families.
Jenna Lyle, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education, stated, “This year, we will incorporate more enriching extracurricular activities into the academic schedule to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.”
Parents can apply through the MySchools website (www.myschools.nyc). The application period is from March 4th (Tuesday) to March 28th (Friday) at 11:59 PM. Results of acceptance and waitlist will be announced on April 24th. It is not a first-come, first-served basis, and parents can submit applications at any time before the deadline, and can look for participating schools through the MySchools platform.
In recent years, the number of applicants has far exceeded the quota. Last year, approximately 160,000 students applied, but only 115,000 received eligibility, with tens of thousands of students placed on the waitlist. This year, students will not be automatically enrolled; they must confirm acceptance by May 8th. The Department of Education stated that this new measure will ensure that students genuinely interested in participating secure spots and expedite the process for waitlisted students.
Priority for enrollment will be given to students with special needs, students living in temporary housing or foster care, academically struggling students, and students applying to attend programs established at their schools.
The program will begin on July 2nd. End dates are August 8th (6-8 grades) and August 15th (K-5 grades). Class hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday; Independence Day (July 4th) is a holiday.
Students with special needs will have different class schedules. Students eligible for school bus services can ride until 3 PM, while others can apply for MetroCards or carpool subsidies.
Participation in the program is not mandatory, and despite high demand, attendance rates in the past two years have been less than ideal. According to Chalkbeat’s report, the average attendance rate for the academic portion of the program was only about 60% in 2022 and 2023, significantly lower than the 90% during the school year.
Furthermore, the early stages of the program were supported by federal pandemic relief funds, but it now relies entirely on the New York City budget to operate. Last year, it cost $230 million, and the city government is working diligently to ensure its sustainable operation.
Despite the challenges, the program is still seen as a valuable resource by many families, providing not only free summer care but also helping students stay on track academically. According to a survey by the New York City Department of Education, the majority of parents have given positive feedback about the program.