New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard Announce Launch of 2025 Summer Rising Enrollment Period

New York, NY – Today, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard announced that the application for 2025 Summer Rising seats will open on March 4. One of the city’s most popular programs, "cultivating curiosity" and a lifelong joy of learning. This year’s program, as part of our commitment to listening and responding to families, will include more enrichment programming during the academic portion of the day.

“Summer Rising is about creating an environment where students feel inspired, engaged, and supported. The program, emerging from the needs of students after the pandemic, is constantly evolving based on the feedback of our school communities. That’s why this year, we’re enhancing the program by weaving in more enrichment activities during the academic day,” said Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “We know that the learning experience extends beyond the classroom, and we’re committed to providing our students with a fun and educational summer that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.”

“Summer Rising is more than a program—it’s a commitment to strengthening our families and providing safe and enriching activities for the city’s young people,” said DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard. “The mayor’s unwavering dedication to investing in our communities is a powerful beacon of hope, equipping our young people with the vital tools they need to thrive both academically and socially. DYCD is excited to join NYCPS, our outstanding CBO partners, and elected officials to kick off another season of safety, learning, and unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.”

Any student attending school in New York City, who is currently in kindergarten through eighth grade (in the 2024-2025 school year) is eligible for Summer Rising. Similar to last year, placements will be assigned with a focus on equity, including prioritizing students with academic needs, 12-month Individualized Education Program (IEP) programs (Chapter 683, Extended School Year, and Autism Nest or Horizon), students in temporary housing and foster care, and with a local connection to a school-year CBO program or school community.

Kindergarten through grade eight students will also have access to other resources and academic support, including teacher-led English language arts and mathematics activities tailored to meet their needs, alongside field trips and arts activities. DYCD-funded community-based organizations will provide kindergarten through eighth grade programming at New York City public schools in all five boroughs.

Six weeks of programming for middle school students, and seven weeks for elementary school students, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 6:00PM, will be available in July and August. Both programs will begin on July 2, with middle school programming ending on August 8 and elementary school programming ending on August 15.

Applications will open in MySchools on March 4 and the deadline to apply is March 28. All families who apply by the deadline will receive their results in April. We ask that families accept or decline their offers by the deadline noted when they receive their results. Visit nyc.gov/SummerRising for more information.

# # #

About New York City Public Schools:  New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1.1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city's vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City's commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

Contact: Chancellor’s Press Office press@schools.nyc.gov