Youth advocates propose setting federal funds aside for summer programs

A coalition of organizations serving youth are calling on New York City officials to invest more in nonprofits operating summer programs this year. 

The Campaign for Children has proposed using federal stimulus funds to bolster this programming, including restoring funding to the School’s Out New York City summer program for middle school students. The group of youth advocates and organizations urged that organizations be funded to hire staff that meet the “technical, emotional and academic needs of participants,” particularly social workers and paraprofessionals to work with students with special needs. 

It also requests that New York City address certain logistical challenges that have hampered some efforts to deliver certain youth programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes committing to funding certain initiatives earlier so community organizations can have sufficient time to prepare programming and clear background checks for employees faster.

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer also has come forward with a proposal to use federal dollars to make day camps and other recreational activities in the summer free, and to expand the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program.