Many schools have after-school programs to accommodate children of parents who work. Some of these programs are free, but most charge a fee. Some after-school programs are held in the school building, and others are at community organizations nearby. Call your child's school to find out about after-school programs, or learn more about the various programs available throughout the city at The Department of Youth and Community Development website.

Below are other organizations that run after-school programs or provide resources to parents and students:

  • Harlem Educational Activities Fund is a nonprofit supplemental education and youth development organization that identifies scholars in middle school and supports them until they are successfully admitted to four-year colleges through a variety of after-school, Saturday and summer programs.

  • COMPASS NYC is the Department of Education’s official after-school enrichment program for students k–12. Search the online directory of more than 900 programs by borough.

  • Schools Out NYC is the Department of Education’s after-school program for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Kids engage in activities that are structured like clubs, with opportunities for arts, sports and leadership through community service.

  • Police Athletic League sponsors numerous after-school and summer programs for k–8th grade based on a revolving schedule of academic enrichment (PAL Smarts), arts learning (PAL Arts) and physical education (PAL Fit). Program locations are listed by borough with contact information.

  • ExpandED Schools, founded as The After-School Corporation, sponsors and funds programs in public schools. Its website shows maps of districts and schools where they are located.

  • YMCA has extensive after-school program options, some of which are free.

  • The Beacon Program runs school-based community centers serving children, youth and adults. There are currently 80 Beacons located throughout the city operating in the afternoons and evenings, on weekends and during school holidays, vacation periods and summer.

  • Center for Children's Initiatives (CCI) provides a referral service that helps parents locate appropriate child care and pre-kindergarten programs.