By HWM
New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies have announced the opening of the application period for Summer Rising 2026, the city’s free summer learning and enrichment program for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Applications open March 3 and will be available through the MySchools portal through March 27.
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Now entering its sixth year, Summer Rising has become a central part of the city’s academic and youth development strategy. Originally launched to keep students engaged during the summer months, the initiative has evolved into a comprehensive program blending classroom instruction with enrichment activities designed to support both academic growth and social development.
“Now in its sixth year, our Summer Rising program continues to go from strength to strength, and I’m proud to launch this year’s application period,” said Chancellor Samuels in a press release. “What began as an ambitious effort to keep our young New Yorkers engaged and growing over the summer has become a cornerstone of opportunity and exploration for families across the city.”
Commissioner Escamilla-Davies emphasized the importance of partnership and access. “Summer Rising is a powerful example of what happens when we center young people and invest in the ecosystem that shapes the lives of New Yorkers,” she said.
Summer Rising 2026 will continue its model of combining teacher-led instruction in English Language Arts and math during the morning with enrichment opportunities such as financial literacy, arts, and STEM. Afternoons will focus on creative and recreational programming, including sports, field trips, and additional hands-on activities delivered in partnership with community-based organizations.
Approximately 110,000 seats are available. Eligibility includes any student who lives in New York City and is enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade during the 2025–2026 school year. Placement priorities will continue to focus on equity, including students with academic needs, those with 12-month Individualized Education Programs, students in temporary housing or foster care, and students with existing connections to participating schools or organizations.
Programs will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at participating school sites citywide. Middle school sessions will run July 1 through Aug. 7, while elementary programming will extend through Aug. 14.
Families will receive placement notifications on April 21 and must accept or decline offers by May 5.
For more information, please visit nyc.gov/SummerRising.
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boy-in-blue-shirt-with-black-backpack-standing-on-the-doorway-8500309/
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