Summer Rising applications will open on March 3 through the MySchools portal for New York City families seeking free summer programming for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The citywide initiative provides academic instruction and enrichment at no cost to families, serving tens of thousands of students each summer.
Summer Rising blends classroom learning with hands-on activities. Mornings focus on teacher-led instruction in English Language Arts and math, alongside enrichment offerings such as financial literacy, arts education and STEM.
“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," said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. "Students can look forward to a summer filled with learning, sports, arts, new friendships, and more, and I look forward to visiting sites and seeing firsthand the energy that makes Summer Rising so special.”
In the afternoons, students participate in creative and recreational programming including sports, arts, STEM activities and field trips, delivered in partnership with community-based organizations. The structure is designed to help young people strengthen academic skills, build confidence and return to school in the fall prepared for the year ahead.
The program is open to any student who lives in and attends school in New York City and is enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade during the 2025–2026 school year. Approximately 110,000 seats are available.
As in previous years, placement will center on equity, with priority given to students with demonstrated academic needs, those enrolled in 12-month Individualized Education Program services such as Chapter 683, Extended School Year and Autism Nest or Horizon programs, students in temporary housing or foster care, and those with an existing connection to a school-year community-based organization or school community.
Programming will take place Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm at participating school sites across the five boroughs. Both elementary and middle school students will begin on Jul. 1. Middle school programs will run for six weeks, concluding on Aug. 7, while elementary school programs will run for seven weeks, ending on Aug. 14.
Families can submit applications through MySchools from March 3 through March 27. Placement results will be released April 21 and families must accept or decline offers by May 5. Additional information is available at nyc.gov/SummerRising.
