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JUNE 4 - 10, 2026
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Connecting families to city programs Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched “Summer in N.Y.C.”on May 27, a new interactive website designed to connect young New Yorkers with free and low-cost summer programming in their neighborhoods and across the city. New Yorkers can access the website at NYC.gov/Summer. The website allows users to search by age, ZIP code, interests and travel distance, helping families find activities ranging from painting classes to basketball leagues, soccer programs, and other extracurricular opportunities. It also includes information about free summer meals and free citywide FIFA World Cup watch parties and celebrations. “Too often, we tell young people what not to do, but don’t tell them what they should do. This website is about connecting kids and teens to programs they’ll actually be excited about — whether that’s basketball, photography, music or art — and making it easy for families to find opportunities close to h o m e. Wi t h s u m m e r f a s t approaching, we are using every tool available to keep young New Yorkers safe, listened to rather than lectured at, and surrounded by community,” Mamdani said in a news release. The launch is part of the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n’s b r o a d e r, whole-of-government approach to keep young New Yorkers safe and engaged during the summer months. When school lets out and temperatures rise, access to structured activities and community spaces become even more important. Earlier in May, Mamdani released a video conversation with three members of True 2 Life, a Staten Island-based organization within the City's Crisis Management System, which uses evidence-based interven-
tion and peer mentorship to prevent violence and address its root causes. The conversation highlighted the stories of New Yorkers impacted by gun violence, who are now working to protect the next generation. This summer, the Office of Neighborhood Safety in partnership with DYCD and community-based organizations across the city, is implementing a coordinated Summer Safety Plan focused on preventing youth violence and expanding opportunities for young people. “Summer is a time for making the core memories that shape us,” Deputy Mayor for C o m m u n i t y S a fety Renita Francois said in the release. “It’s a time for exploration, growth and fun for every young person in our city.” “Delivering that means providing safe, meaningful, and free opportunities in all corners of the five boroughs and making them accessible,” Francois added. “We created Summer in NYC to put young people just a click away from favorite and new hobbies, experiences, and connections along with critical life skills such as conflict management and emotional regulation. More importantly, we’re going to be listening to yo u n g p e o p l e t h e m s e l ve s throughout the summer, centering them in the decisions we make about how to support them and their development.” Through the City’s Crisis Management System, credible m e s s e n g e r s a n d o u t re a ch teams will increase engagement in neighborhoods most impacted by violence, with enhanced mediation efforts, extended evening programming, youth listening events, and rapid-response activations during high-risk periods and large gatherings. The plan also expands access to safe spaces, mentorship, recreation, and workforce opportu-
Courtesy Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
The city ‘Summer in N.Y.C., , a new interactive website to connect young New Yorkers with free and lowcost summer programming. Mayor Zohran Mamdani discussing a new housing plan on May 28. nities to ensure young New Yorkers are connected to positive supports throughout the summer months. “Kee ping our kids safe, healthy, and engaged is a priority for the Mamdani administration this summer,” Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga said in the release. “Today's launch presents youth and teens across New York City with an easy-touse tool that will help identify youth-centered programs that
promote fitness, spur creativity, and even offer spaces to explore self-care and prioritize their mental health. This innovative resource is just one of several steps we're taking to ensure the safety and well-being of New
York's youngest—and making sure they have a fun summer in the process.” –Jeffrey Bessen