Sun’s out, fun’s in for young New Yorkers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his “Summer in N.Y.C.” campaign on May 27, which provides a curated portal to connect youngsters with free or affordable summer programming.
The interactive website allows youth to seek out their interests based on age and ZIP code through a digital one-stop shop. “Find Something Cool to Do This Summer” it promises. A tailored map shows potential activities, including the city’s World Cup Fan Events and free museums accessible with a library card. New Yorkers ages 18 and younger can also find Free Summer Meals program locations for a healthier breakfast or lunch.
“Too often, we tell young people what not to do, but don’t tell them what they should do,” said Mamdani in a statement. “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 home.
“With summer fast approaching, we are using every tool available to keep young New Yorkers safe, listened to rather than lectured at, and surrounded by community.”
In addition, Mamdani also spoke with Staten Island-based gun violence interrupters about how engaging young people can stop shootings. They discussed how feuds can brew during the winter and be unleashed when the weather heats up. When Mamdani asked those affected by gun violence what they wanted from summer, they responded with “safe, fun, vibes, parties.”
June marks National Gun Violence Awareness Month as gun violence remains the leading cause of death for young Black men, according to the state. Fittingly, “Summer in N.Y.C” comes in the same bold orange frequently employed by the mayor, which coincidentally also represents gun violence prevention and awareness.
According to the Mamdani administration, the city will also implement a “Summer Safety Plan” focused on violence prevention by ramping up recreation and workforce development, while deploying gun violence interrupters to mediate feuds and respond to mass gatherings in communities most affected by shootings.
By email, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies pointed to a network of city programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program and the sports-based Saturday Night Lights as providing options for young people. In addition, 100 community centers will remain open all week until 11 p.m. to provide “safe, supervised spaces during evenings and weekends, particularly in neighborhoods most impacted by violence.”
Summer in N.Y.C. information is at https://www.nyc.gov/content/summer/pages/.
