The New York City Department of Education also offers rigorous and engaging learning opportunities to students during the summer season:
STEM Summer in the City (STEM SITC)
The DOE’s STEM SITC program engages students throughout 5 weeks of summer school with innovative, fun and hands-on learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math along with art and wellness. In addition to STEM opportunities, students take part in at least two cultural trips over the summer. STEM SITC serves students in grades 2-10 in select sites across the City and is free for all participants. All STEM SITC students are provided with MetroCards and free meals during school days.
Students who apply for this program are selected via a lottery process. To find out more, please visit the STEM SITC site.
STEM Matters NYC
STEM Matters NYC enrichment programs engage students in authentic STEM-based experiential learning at the DOE’s Environmental Study Center, the NYC Center for Space Science Education, and other cultural institutions across the City. STEM Matters NYC programs range in focus from aerospace and animal sciences, to oceanography and ecology. Approximately 700 students from grades pre-k through 12 are selected for programs that include week-long camps, high school internships, and in some cases, a 4-week college credit bearing course. All STEM Matters NYC programs are free, and all students are provided with free MetroCards for transportation. STEM Matters NYC programs do not provide summer meals.
Students who apply for this program are selected via a lottery process, and priority is given to students who attend Title I schools. For more information about STEM Matters NYC, visit the DOE’s webpage. Sign up for the email list here.
Community and Renewal Elementary Schools
Students attending Community Schools, including Renewal Schools, have access to instruction and enrichment activities. These programs are open to students in grades K–5. Enrollment for these activities are managed at the school level.
For more information, please email CommunitySchools@schools.nyc.gov.
Specialized High Schools Institute
Two summer programs help prepare middle school students for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test in eighth grade:
DREAM-SHSI: This 22-month extracurricular test prep program is open to students who are eligible for free lunch and meet certain academic criteria. Visit the DOE’s DREAM-SHSI webpage for more information or email SHSI@schools.nyc.gov.
DREAM Summer/Fall Intensive: This test prep program is designed for eligible rising eighth grade students. To participate, students must live or attend school in one of the school districts that is least represented at the City’s specialized high schools and meet certain academic criteria. To learn more, visit the DOE’s webpage or email SHSI@schools.nyc.gov.
English Language Learners
English language learners (ELLs) in grades 2–8 can participate in math, science, and reading and writing activities during the summer. The DOE also offers summer learning opportunities for ELL students in high school who are on track to graduate. For more information, visit the DOE's ELL webpage or email ELLfamilies@schools.nyc.gov.
Family English Initiative
This pilot program enables parents and caregivers to learn English with their children. In this program, kindergarten and first-grade students participate in interactive sessions that incorporate art and culture alongside their parents and caregivers. Through this initiative, families have the opportunity to develop their English language skills together with their children. For more information about this pilot program, including availability, email FamilyEnglish@schools.nyc.gov.
Additional Summer Enrichment Opportunities
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development also provides a number of engaging summer programs at schools throughout the City. These programs include Beacon, COMPASS, and SONYC, among others.
The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation hosts fun activities for families and children all summer long. For a full list of available pools, parks, and programs, visit the Parks Department’s website.
With the IDNYC identification card, City residents can access many of New York City's great cultural and educational resources, including museums, concert halls, and botanical gardens, free of charge. For more information about the IDNYC program, visit the City’s IDNYC website.
