Mayor Adams Unveils $2 Million For Expanded Summer Programs To Ensure Youth Safety

NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard today announced $2 million in expanded programming.

Including services to continue to keep young people safe in the final weeks of summer. The expanded programs and services will be invested in historically underserved neighborhoods, including the six priority New York City Police Department (NYPD) precincts identified in “A Blueprint for Community Safety,” a forward-thinking roadmap with upstream solutions to address gun violence throughout the five boroughs. Today’s announcement is a part of Mayor Adams’ “Summer of Possibility,” a celebration of New York City’s unrivaled summer offerings, at a time when crime is down, jobs are up, and the city is more livable than when the Adams administration came into office.

“This summer, our administration has kept crime down, young people safe, and highlighted the very best in fun and entertainment New York City has to offer,” said Mayor Adams. “In the final weeks of summer, we are doubling down on our efforts and investing millions in continuing to make sure we stop violence before it happens on our streets. When we invest in summer programming, we give our young people not just a space to enjoy themselves but prevent crime from happening in our communities. Together, we will make sure to bring our summer to a close by ensuring our young people have all the resources needed to thrive and enjoy our city.”  

“With this $2 million expansion of summer programming, the Adams administration continues its investment in public safety by ensuring that young people, especially those in historically underserved neighborhoods, have the necessary resources to thrive,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.

“From Saturday Night Lights to Cornerstone and Beacon programs, these initiatives not only enrich lives, but also foster community trust and empower our youth to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate the “Summer of Possibility,” we are seizing every opportunity to build a safer, more vibrant city together.”

“When we expand our summer programming, we provide a space for young people to simply be themselves, have fun, and, most importantly, stay safe,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “I want to thank DYCD and our providers who have stepped up to answer the call in the final weeks of summer and helped us, again, deliver a record year of providing countless opportunities for our young people.”

“As one of the lead agencies of the Mayor’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, DYCD’s expansion of summer programming hours is vital to public safety. I know our Beacon, Cornerstone, and Saturday Night Lights partners, along with the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, New York City Public Schools, and Cure Violence organizations, are more than up to the challenge,” said DYCD Commissioner Howard. “We are especially proud that extended hours are available in all five boroughs, including the six priority precincts with the highest levels of gun violence, where more resources will keep young people engaged during key times of the week. Mayor Adams has made it clear that public safety is a shared responsibility, and DYCD will remain vigilant in doing our part to keep all New Yorkers safe.”

“Major crime continues to drop in New York City because the men and women of the New York City Police Department are building trust and strengthening relationships with all the people we serve,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Shootings are down another 9 percent, and murders are down 11.5 percent since last year. One of the best tools we have to keep combating violence is our ability to engage young people in recreational activities, particularly during the warmer months. This is a ‘Summer of Possibility’ indeed, and the expanded programming announced today will make our city even safer tomorrow than it is today.”

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“Our partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development on the Cornerstone program creates a fantastic outlet for New Yorkers of all ages to visit New York City Housing Authority community centers to engage in positive activities, and access valuable resources and services,” said New York City Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. “We’re grateful to the Adams administration for making this investment in expanded summer programming and services, which will go a long way toward keeping the communities surrounding these centers safe and connected to a variety of amazing summer offerings.” 

DYCD will be expanding programming and hours across select Saturday Night Lights, Cornerstone, and Beacon programs. Saturday Night Lights offers free high-quality sports programming at nearly 140 locations across the city, during a time of the week when crime historically spikes. The program aims to engage young people, build trust between law enforcement and communities, and help enable youth to develop the skills, knowledge, and meaningful relationships necessary to reach their fullest potential. Beacons are school-based community centers serving children aged six and older, and adults throughout the five boroughs. Cornerstone operates at 99 New York City Housing Authority community centers throughout the five boroughs, providing engaging, high-quality, year-round programs for adults and young people.

Expanded programming and services through the end of August include Saturday Night Lights now operating on Sundays and extended hours on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Select Beacon and Cornerstone locations will have extended hours from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For a full list of program sites, visit the DYCD Summer Safety Plan website. 

From the largest-ever summer streets and open restaurants programs to expanded Summer Rising hours, new cooling centers, and investments in pools across the city, the Adams administration is continuing to ensure that there has never been a better time to enjoy summer in New York City. New Yorkers can visit the Summer of Possibility website for more information on free cultural and parks events, open beaches and pools, as well as hiring halls, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Photo credit: 1) Kids, 2) Sheena Wright.