Free After-School Programs for Immigrant Children in New York

There are many free after-school programs for children ages 6 to 13, regardless of their immigration status, in New York. These programs, which take place on weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., provide participants with academic and physical support in safe environments. They complement what kids learn in school and encourage a sense of belonging. In addition, these programs offer STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), media education, sport and fitness, team-building activities, and many more.

How to enroll in free after-school programs

To enroll their children, parents must visit the location of their choice with their completed after-school application and program agreement. You will find it here. They must also bring an updated medical form and the child’s birth certificate.

Immigration News, Curated

Sign up to get our curation of news, insights on big stories, job announcements, and events happening in immigration.

Where in NYC to access free after-school programs

Bronx

Hunts Point Recreation Center

765 Manida Street

Bronx, NY 10474

Williamsbridge Oval

3225 Reservoir Oval E

Bronx, NY 10467

For more information about Bronx Afterschool Programs, contact Debra Edwards, Borough Coordinator, at (718) 430-1847 or email debra.edwards@parks.nyc.gov.

Brooklyn

St. John’s Recreation Center

1251 Prospect Place

Brooklyn, NY 11213

Sunset Park Recreation Center

7th Avenue at 43rd Street

Brooklyn, NY 11232

For more information about Brooklyn Afterschool Programs, contact Ben Campbell, Borough Coordinator, at (718) 965-8938, (332) 999-8526, or email benjamin.campbell@parks.nyc.gov.

Queens

Al Oerter Recreation Center

131-40 Fowler Avenue

Queens, New York 11355

A.R.R.O.W. Field House

35-30 35th Street

Astoria, NY 11106

Sorrentino Recreation Center

18-48 Cornaga Avenue

Far Rockaway, New York 11691

For more information, contact the Queens Recreation borough office at (718) 393-7370.

Manhattan

Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center

80 Catherine Street

New York, NY 10038

For more information, contact Christina Luna at (212) 408-0243 or email christina.luna@parks.nyc.gov.

Staten Island

Graniteville Field House at Jennifer’s Playground

Jules and Regis Drive

Staten Island, NY, 10314

Walker Park Field House

50 Bard Avenue

Staten Island, NY, 10310

For more information, contact Dana Vitolo at (718) 816-8103 or email dana.vitolo@parks.nyc.gov.

Free sports programs and instructional clinics

Many free sports programs are available for children ages eight and up in New York City. Through the NYC Department of Park and Recreation, they can enroll in sports programs including baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, track, cycling, street hockey, golf, and many more. To attend these programs, participants must be registered recreation center members. To find out more about which one is for your kid, you can contact your Borough’s sports coordinator.

Bronx: Christopher.Suarez@parks.nyc.gov and Victor.Campbell@parks.nyc.gov

Brooklyn: Edwin.Llopiz@parks.nyc.gov

Manhattan: Sandy.Requeno@parks.nyc.gov

Queens: Wilson.Tenorio@parks.nyc.gov

Staten Island: Richard.Costello@parks.nyc.gov

Accessible sports: Paul.Ward@parks.nyc.gov and Rodolfo.Guevara@parks.nyc.gov

Free after-school programs for teens

Teen programs offer a variety of activities throughout the year, catering to different interests such as sports, swimming, fitness, dance, art instruction, homework help, cooking and computer workshops, community involvement, and out-of-center trips to museums and theaters. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to learn and develop new skills, make friends, and create lasting memories. These programs are free and open to all, regardless of immigration status.