Empowering NYC Youth: Expanding After-School Programs
The Youth Department is growing!
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our services with five brand-new after-school initiatives, bringing our total to 14 high-impact programs serving youth and families across Brooklyn and Greater NYC.
Since April 2024, our team has more than tripled its outreach efforts to empower local students through safe environments, leadership development, and academic support. As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we remain committed to our core RISE values: Respect, Inspire, Shelter, and Encourage.
Preparing for a successful school year starts with having the right tools. To support our community families, we are hosting a Back-to-School Drive to equip over 1,500 after-school students with free backpacks and essential school supplies.
Support Our Back-to-School Backpack & Supply Drive
Oher ways to help:
- Community donations and strategic partnerships make this massive distribution possible. Your contributions directly ensure that over 1,500 local children walk into their classrooms with confidence on day one.
- Get Involved: Contact our Youth Department today to learn how you can donate supplies, make a financial contribution, or sponsor a student’s back-to-school kit.
Program Locations & Community Partners
Our expanded after-school programs are made possible through the generous funding and support of the New York State Office of Children and Family ServicesOur OCFS LEAPS – ( New York State Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports (LEAPS) and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD Compass & Cornerstone). DYCD – Compass, DYCD – Cornerstone
We proudly serve youth across the following school and community sites:
- P.S. 217 Colonel David Marcus School: LEAPS & DYCD Compass Programs
- P.S. 152 School of Science & Technology: LEAPS & DYCD Compass Programs
- Brooklyn Scholars Charter School: Elementary & Middle School DYCD Compass Programs
- P.S. 309 The George E. Wibecan Preparatory Academy: DYCD Compass Program
- P.S. 193 Gil Hodges: DYCD Compass Program
- P.S. 249 The Caton School: DYCD Compass Program
- P.S. K134: OCFS LEAPS Program
- Brownsville Community Center: DYCD Cornerstone Program
- Kingsborough Houses: DYCD Cornerstone Program
- Glenwood Houses: DYCD Cornerstone Program & Specialized Youth Leadership Program
Enrollment & Registration Information
Official registration dates for the 2026–2027 after-school programs will be announced soon. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for upcoming enrollment schedules, supply distribution events, and partnership opportunities.
