Applications open March 3 through MySchools

NEW YORK, NY – New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies today announced the opening of the application period for Summer Rising 2026, the City’s free summer learning and enrichment program serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. 

“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 Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “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. 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.”

“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,” said DYCD Commissioner Sandra Escamilla‑Davies. “For decades, I’ve seen how access to culturally responsive and enriching environments can create pathways for support and success. Our partnership with NYC Public Schools and community‑based organizations ensures that families across the City - especially those who have historically faced barriers - can count on a summer that nurtures learning, belonging, and possibility.”

Building on the program’s legacy of success, Summer Rising 2026 will continue to offer an engaging experience that blends academics with hands-on enrichment. Students receive teacher‑led instruction in English Language Arts and math, with enrichment opportunities such as financial literacy, arts, and STEM offered during morning sessions. Afternoons provide additional opportunities for creativity and exploration through arts, sports, STEM activities, and field trips in partnership with community‑based organizations (CBOs). The program helps students strengthen skills, build confidence, and return to school in the fall inspired and ready to learn. 

As in prior years, any student who resides in and attends school in New York City and is currently in kindergarten through eighth grade during the 2025-2026 school year is eligible to apply. There are approximately 110,000 seats and placement decisions will continue to 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 or foster care, and students with a local connection to a school-year CBO program or school community.

Programming will run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at participating school sites across the city. Both elementary and middle school programs will begin on July 1, 2026. Middle school programming will run for six weeks, ending on August 7, while elementary school programming will run for seven weeks, ending on August 14. 

Families can apply through the MySchools portal from March 3 through March 27. Placement notifications will be released on April 21, and we ask families to either accept or decline their offers by May 5. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/SummerRising. 

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About New York City Public Schools:  NYCPS 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 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