EMPIRE STATE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

In 2017, Governor Cuomo allocated $35 million for pilot program to create 22,000 new after-school slots in high-need areas across the state. The pilot program will focuses on 16 cities that are part of the state’s Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative, focusing on kids who do not have a safe and supportive place to go after school. Data shows that more productive days result in higher academic outcomes, lower dropout rates, a reduction in juvenile crime and a better chance at succeeding in life.
After-school programs play a major role in closing the opportunity gap, as they provide the ideal setting to reach underrepresented students. When children have access to a quality education, including pre-k and wraparound services like afterschool programs, their chances of getting a quality paying job and having a better life increases exponentially. Participation in afterschool programs has been associated with higher academic outcomes, lower drop-out rates, and a reduction in juvenile crime.

TEAM FIRST Empire State Afterschool Programs currently serves 7 schools in District 8 (South Bronx) including MS 269X, PS 62X, PS 69X, PS 130X, PS 140X, PS 146X, and PS 333X.  Our programs are designed to provide academic and social support to elementary and middle school students in the South Bronx community. Programs include homework help, academic enrichment, STEM (coding and robotics), photography, gender-based mentoring, athletics, media production, theatre arts, art and crafts, mural painting, debate club, fashion club, leadership, book clubs, literacy development, parental engagement workshops.