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It looks like summer is back on...sort of.
On Tuesday, June 30, Mayor Bill de Blasio discussed the city's $88.19 billion budget for the 2021 fiscal year, and some monetary shifts have partially restored this year's summer programming for NYC youth. The New York Police Department's budget has been slashed by $1 billion, and as a result, $115 million is going toward youth programs such as camps, classes and internships. This adds up to roughly 100,000 slots.
Considering things looked grim earlier this year during the Mayor's April budget talks, this is definitely a change of pace.
"From reinvesting funds from the NYPD in youth programming and social services, to building new community centers, this budget prioritizes our communities most in need while keeping New Yorker safe," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
In total, the $1 billion shift from the NYPD will lead to a total of $430 in reinvestment for youth and social services programming. The breakdown is as follows, according to the mayor's office:
- $115 million in youth and community programs, representing approximately 100,000 slots for youth this summer
- Approximately 80,000 slots across COMPASS, Beacon and Cornerstone programs to provide elementary and middle school youth with safe and engaging activities this summer
- 35,000 slots for Summer Bridge, a career exploration and project-based learning program for teens and young adults
- 2,000 slots for Work, Learn and Grow, a school year employment program for high need high school youth
- Includes $10 million for Community Based Organizations to promote, educate, and deliver information to New Yorkers regarding test and trace and social distancing
- $116 million in investments in education
- $85 million in family shelter services
- $10 million in children services
- $39 million in health services for school children
Plus, there are milestones to look forward to as the city continues to reopen: NYC beaches are now officially open for swimming and 15 NYC outdoor public pools will reopen later this summer, despite initial thoughts that they would remain closed.
For more ways to learn how to keep your family occupied—and, most importantly, safe—while school is out, check out these great summer activities for kids.
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