New York, NY– February 13, 2025 – Today, the New York City Council passed Int. 432-A, legislation introduced by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, which requires NYC Public Schools to provide informational materials to all K-12 students on afterschool activities available at their schools. This ensures that such critical information is made accessible to every family across the city.
“Students across New York City deserve access to enrichment opportunities that allow them to become the fullest version of themselves,” said Council Member Pierina Sanchez. “But too often, families are unaware that these opportunities exist. Today, through Int. 432-A, the Council is making strides to ensure nearly 1 million young people and their families receive information about afterschool and enrichment programs available to them. For the first time in NYC history, starting this fall at every public K-12 elementary, middle, and high school, NYC will be required to provide every student with a printed and digital copy of afterschool opportunities available to them, either funded by NYC Public Schools or the Department of Youth and Community Development. I pride myself in allocating funds to ensure each school building in our district hosts after school or enrichment programs within its walls–and now, our parents will know about them. In a city as well-resourced as New York City, there’s no excuse for any student, parent, or guardian to miss out for lack of information.”
“Afterschool programs are vital for students’ educational and personal development. For working-class families, these activities often serve as crucial public childcare resources. However, the inconsistency of afterschool programs creates unnecessary barriers to access. I applaud Council Member Sanchez on the passage of her bill and look forward to seeing afterschool informational materials distributed throughout my district,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés.
“As the mother of two public school students, I know how important afterschool programs are to both students and parents. Afterschool programs not only enhance a child’s education, but they are also a lifeline for working parents. That is why this legislation that makes information about afterschool programs more widely available is so vital. I would like to thank Council Member Pierina Sanchez for her leadership on this issue and I look forward to this bill being enacted,” stated Council Member Susan Zhuang.
About the bill:
Access to information about afterschool activities is often inconsistent across schools, creating barriers for students trying to participate in these valuable programs. By requiring schools to distribute this information directly to the school community, Int. 432-A will bridge the gap between students who otherwise would not enroll and those who will.
Starting in Fall 2025, K-12 public schools will be required to provide comprehensive information about afterschool activities available to students and their parents or guardians. This includes programs funded by NYC Public Schools or the Department of Youth and Community Development. Every fall and spring semester thereafter, schools must share updated listings that include program descriptions, eligibility requirements, application processes, and any associated costs.
To ensure accessibility, schools will distribute this information through multiple channels: via email to families, printed packages sent home with students, posted on the school’s website, and made available on any school portal used by students and the community.
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