Free studio art classes are available at the Cooper Union on Saturdays. Find classes in Architecture, Digital Media/Photography, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Sculpture, Senior Design Studio, and Senior Visual Art Studio. No prior experience is necessary; students only need to be highly motivated. Visit cooper.edu/academics/outreach-and-pre-college/saturday-program or email saturdayprogram@cooper.edu to learn more. Otherwise, call (212) 353-4108.
Teens have the chance to develop their computational interests or learn valuable lifelong skills with the Youth and Teen Media Education Program by NYC Parks. For more information about a wide selection of programs, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/media/teens or email media.ed@parks.nyc.gov. Call (212) 360-2791 for support.
Their programs are located in more than 400 parks, recreation centers, and public schools across New York City. Explore options for middle schoolers at cityparksfoundation.org/learn
It offers free after-school programs for children from 6 to 13 years old. Programming is based around monthly themes including sports, famous artists, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Registration is required. To apply, visit nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/afterschool.
Instructional Clinic programs provide sessions at NYC City Parks for children aged eight and up, allowing them to learn sports in an approach that is safe, easy, and successful. There are so many sports options! For further information, contact your neighborhood recreation facility at nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters or visit cityparksfoundation.org/play. Apply to your favorite sports programs as early as late in the in the winter or early in the spring.
SBU Soccer offers quality and affordable programs that give new players a solid base and help competitive children improve and use their skills. Sessions vary based on the child’s experience. Children 2-19 are welcome to SBU. Practice gear is offered by the school with an affordable fee. Learn and apply at southbronxunited.org. There is an enrollment fee that varies depending on the program. In cases of financial hardship, families can submit financial assistance for a partial or complete waiver.
Teenagers in grades 8–12 learn about urban agriculture and the wonders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The Garden Apprentice Program is a nine-month-based apprenticeship. New applications are open every year in the fall. Visit www.bbg.org/learn/gap or email gap@bbg.org for more information.
Math and problem-solving are the focal points of the BEAM programs. BEAM supports middle and high school students who are underrepresented in STEM careers. Students are welcome to take part in a wide range of enrichment events throughout the year, such as classes on the weekends, field trips and lab visits, and more. Learn more at beammath.org/a-10-year-program. Contact BEAM at (888) 264-2793 or info@beammath.org.
Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers STEAM classes for children aged 2–12 years. The Robot Foundry wants to inspire children to explore, problem-solve, and imagine by making STEAM learning entertaining. Visit brooklynrobotfoundry.com/programs for more information or call (347) 762-6840.
New York City public school K–12 students are invited to apply to STEM Matters NYC enrichment programs offered during spring break. Visit nycdoe.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/camper/App to submit your application. Applicants entering kindergarten through grade 9 are selected to participate via lottery.
Summer Rising is a free, safe, and fun academic and enrichment program for NYC students currently in grades K–8. In every neighborhood, well-known community-based organizations and local school leaders run it. Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are served to each student! The deadline to apply is usually in March so keep an eye out early in the year. Learn more about this city-wide program at schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/summer.
Find a city’s outdoor pool near you and take swimming lessons in the summer. Visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools to learn more about open days and hours of operation.
NYC Parks Summer Day Camp offers 6–13-year-olds a variety of summer activities. Campers participate in sports, fitness, and outdoor activities while exploring New York City’s cultural and educational offerings. Apply early! Registration is conducted through a lottery in early March. Learn more and apply at nycgovparks.org/summercamp/applying.
Fresh Air Fund offers outdoor summer activities for kids to provide them with new experiences, skills, and ways to see things from different points of view. Learn about their different programs at freshair.org. Create an account at freshair.org/sign-up-for-camp and apply early in the year! If you have trouble registering, email apply@freshair.org or call 800-367-0003.
The YMCA offers day camps in all five boroughs for children aged 8–12. Learn more at ymcanyc.org/programs/camp.
NYC teens between 14 and 21 receive career exploration and paid work experience each summer through the nation’s biggest youth employment program, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Participants can earn money through their participation. Call 1-800-246-4646 for questions and learn how to apply at nyc.gov/syep. Applications usually close in March. Apply early!
Updated on February 21, 2024