The Summer Rising program launched last year will be coming back – bigger and better, Mayor Eric Adams says.

“We're going to take what was successful about Summer Rising, and we're going to build on top of that. This year, we'll have more hours, including 6 p.m. for middle schoolers, more programming, like including Fridays, and more students,” Adams said at the Bronx Delta School in Throggs Neck.

The summer school program, which offers a combination of academics and recreational activities, is open to all public school students kindergarten through eighth grade – not just those who need to catch up.

What You Need To Know

  • Mayor Adams says the city will once again host the Summer Rising program

  • It offers academics and recreation to all students – not just those who need remedial instruction

  • Adams says it will help students recover from learning loss during the pandemic

“This program is designed for all students, parents who would like for their child to take advantage of a real enrichment program,” Schools Chancellor David Banks said.

And Adams says all children can use a little extra studying this summer, after the challenges of the pandemic.

“Substantial learning loss for two years, mental health issues, nutritional battles, not having access to educational opportunities for two years. So we're not just playing catch up, we’re playing, how do we exceed where our children are,” Adams said.

In addition to offering optional extended hours for middle school students, the program will serve 110,000 students this year – 10,000 more than last year. Summer Rising’s original rollout, under Mayor de Blasio, saw some schools scrambling for the staff needed, and some parents had a hard time finding a spot.

“The chancellor, in his series of meetings, he sat down with the parents and others and looked at what their complaints were about, on how do we make the program better,” Adams said.

Among those complaints, students with disabilities and those in shelters struggled to access the program due to a lack of busing.

“You're right, transportation is an issue,” Adams told NY1. “We zeroed in on homeless shelters, to find those children who are there to make sure that they can have access to the programs. What's the use of having a great program if children who are really in need are not having access to them?”

The program is first come first served. High schoolers, meanwhile, can take advantage of the city's Summer Youth Employment Program.