New York Afterschool Programs

Mindi the fox in a navy blazer and scarf, standing before a New York map with icons of a cityscape, apple, and graduation cap
Mindi the fox in a navy blazer and scarf, standing before a New York map with icons of a cityscape, apple, and graduation cap
Certified HUB Vendor. Tailor-made for New York.

New York State’s afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs serve a significant number of students annually. In New York City alone, universal afterschool programming reaches approximately 184,000 public school students, with plans to expand further in the coming years. Statewide, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs provide services to about 60,000 students across 370 communities. Despite these efforts, a substantial number of children—approximately 779,281—are unsupervised during the afterschool hours, indicating a significant unmet demand for such programs.

Afterschool programs in New York focus on providing academic support, promoting equity, offering enrichment activities, and fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) to prepare students for college and career readiness. These programs are particularly vital for high-need or economically disadvantaged students, including those experiencing poverty or homelessness. Funding for these programs comes from both federal and state sources, with the 21st CCLC programs authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Additional investments, such as the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS) initiative, aim to expand access and address gaps in service.

New York's diverse geography and population present unique challenges in delivering OST programs, particularly in rural areas and among tribal communities. The state benefits from coordinated efforts through networks like the New York State Network for Youth Success, which supports the development and sustainability of high-quality afterschool programs.

Looking for a New York-Certified Woman-Owned Business?

MindWorks Resources is proud to be a New York State–certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). Many New York school districts, city agencies, and nonprofit partners are required—or incentivized—to source products and services from certified MWBEs. We meet those requirements and are ready to support your afterschool program with engaging, standards-aligned curriculum kits designed for K–8 learners!

How MindWorks Benefits New York Afterschool Programs

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MindWorks is a New York State-certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise. We partner with districts, CBOs, and city agencies to bring flexible, fundable, and impactful enrichment to afterschool programs across the Empire State.

MindWorks proudly serves afterschool and OST programs across New York as a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) through the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. Our curriculum kits help schools, community organizations, and city agencies deliver high-quality enrichment that aligns with New York’s 21st CCLC priorities and whole-child development goals. With built-in academic alignment, SEL support, and age-appropriate design for grades K–8, MindWorks makes it easy for sites to offer engaging programming—even with part-time staff or limited prep time. As a HUB vendor, we’re also committed to supporting procurement goals and equity-driven partnerships statewide.

New York Afterschool Priorities

New York State’s afterschool priorities — as reflected in the Empire State After-School Program, 21st CCLC transitions, and NYSED’s Expanded Learning Time (ELT) framework — emphasize equity, engagement, and academic support for high-need students. Programs are expected to deliver inclusive, student-driven enrichment that fosters academic growth, SEL, cultural responsiveness, and youth empowerment across urban, suburban, and rural districts.

Academic Enrichment & Learning Support

  • Why it matters: New York’s afterschool programs are tasked with closing learning gaps and supporting students who struggle in core subjects, especially in Title I schools.
  • Program Implication: Curriculum should reinforce academic standards — particularly in ELA and math — while being hands-on and different from classroom instruction.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our enrichment kits support New York’s learning standards with creative, student-centered activities that improve academic confidence and retention.”

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Mental Wellness

  • Why it matters: SEL is embedded in NYSED’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) goals and critical to supporting youth post-COVID.
  • Program Implication: Activities must promote SEL skills like self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and empathy — integrated into everyday learning, not taught as standalone lessons.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “SEL is naturally embedded into every MindWorks kit — from teamwork and problem-solving to reflection and peer support.”

Equity, Access & Cultural Relevance

  • Why it matters: Programs must equitably serve high-need communities, English learners, and students with disabilities — with materials that reflect New York’s diverse student population.
  • Program Implication: Curriculum should be culturally responsive, accessible for all reading levels, and adaptable for different learning needs.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “MindWorks activities are open-ended, inclusive, and culturally responsive — ensuring every student sees themselves in the content and can fully participate.”

Youth Voice & Choice

  • Why it matters: NYSED encourages programs to empower students through choice, voice, and leadership — giving youth a say in what and how they learn.
  • Program Implication: Enrichment should offer options, allow for creativity, and encourage students to shape their experience.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our kits let kids lead — with creative choices, flexible formats, and challenges that honor their ideas and decisions.”

Community & Family Engagement

  • Why it matters: Afterschool programs in New York are expected to build strong connections between school, home, and the broader community.
  • Program Implication: Activities should naturally foster communication, celebration, and inclusion of families and local partners.
  • The MindWorks Difference: “Our curriculum promotes family engagement through collaborative, shareable experiences that celebrate student work and invite connection.”

New York Afterschool Impact

New York’s OST programs play a critical role in promoting student success, reducing educational disparities, and supporting whole-child development. Programs are well-integrated with school-day learning and community supports, amplifying their reach and effectiveness.

📚 Academic Outcomes

Programs help students improve in core subjects like reading and math, while offering tutoring and project-based learning that boosts academic engagement.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Regular attendees show better school attendance, fewer disciplinary incidents, and more active participation in classroom activities.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

New York’s programs incorporate SEL standards, trauma-informed strategies, and counseling support to help students build resilience and emotional well-being.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

OST efforts promote college awareness, career exploration, and vocational alignment through mentorship, internships, and skill-building workshops.

Sources: New York State Network for Youth Success and New York State Education Department

Metro

New York City’s OST system is vast, supported by DYCD, NYC DOE, and community orgs like Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, and nonprofits. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany also have strong citywide partnerships.

Rural

Rural districts use BOCES and regional partnerships to operate afterschool programs. Funding comes from 21st CCLC, Title I, and county mental health/juvenile services.

Federal Funding

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) are administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), funding academic and enrichment programs for high-need schools.

State Funding

New York offers robust OST investments through Advantage After School, Empire State After-School, and the Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention program. In New York City, the DOE and DYCD fund hundreds of afterschool sites through local and state-aligned initiatives.

All Funding Sources

  • 21st CCLC (federal): statewide via NYSED
  • Advantage After School & Empire State OST (state)
  • NYC DOE and DYCD grants
  • Philanthropy: Robin Hood, Pinkerton Foundation
  • City Council and county youth funds

Family Involvement

Families in NYC can search via DYCD Connect. Other cities offer OST directories or school-based enrollment. Many services are free or sliding scale.

Partner Involvement

Join the New York State Network for Youth Success to collaborate on policy, quality standards, and professional development.

New York Afterschool Resources

Related New York MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information about states, organizations, or products that may be relevant to New York.

States

  • New Jersey – Shares dense urban OST networks, state-level coordination, and a strong focus on equity and access.
  • Pennsylvania – Northeast regional partner with similar OST challenges and collaborative state agency support.
  • Massachusetts – Aligned in OST innovation, academic enrichment focus, and nonprofit-government partnerships.
  • Connecticut – Emphasis on SEL and expanded learning closely mirrors initiatives in New York districts.
  • California – A peer state in national OST leadership, with large-scale implementation of programs like PBL and ELO-P.

Organizations

  • Afterschool Alliance – Collaborates with New York advocates to support OST policy, funding, and awareness campaigns.
  • United Way – United Way of New York City and regional chapters fund and coordinate extensive OST efforts.
  • YMCA – Operates hundreds of afterschool sites across New York with a strong presence in urban and suburban communities.