Just one week after New York City opened up applications for Summer Rising, its ambitious program that melds academics and camp-like activities, most elementary school sites have already filled up.
Of 267 schools offering K-5 programs, fewer than 30 still had openings, according to the education department’s enrollment portal as of Monday afternoon.
This is only the second time that the city has opened its revamped summer program to all students, not just those who are struggling with coursework. Mornings will focus on academics led by education department teachers. The afternoons will offer enrichment such as field trips, art activities, and outdoor games run by community organizations.
The $101 million program offers 110,000 seats for elementary and middle school students in charter schools or traditional public schools. The city serves about 682,000 children in those grades, according to state data. The seats are first-come, first-served, with no waitlists. (Separately, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently donated $50 million for charter schools to run their own programs.)
Education department officials were excited to see the “immense interest” in this year’s summer program, but because of staffing constraints are not planning to add more seats.
“In order to maintain student safety, we are unable to add seats to Summer Rising sites at this time,” education department spokesperson Jenna Lyle said in a statement.
Additionally, the program gives priority to students in temporary housing and those with disabilities who are mandated to attend school year-round. Schools are also holding spaces for students who are required to attend for academic purposes.
High schools will offer separate programs for students needing to retake courses, and the city is offering 100,000 slots for young people ages 14-21 in its summer jobs program.
