Mayor Adams, Chancellor Aviles Ramos, and DYCD Commissioner Howard Continue "We Outside Summer" By Kicking Off Summer Rising

July 2, 2025

Video available at: https://youtu.be/I7PR8xPp-L4

City Also Highlights the 2025 Summer Meals Program: Free Breakfast and Lunch Available to All New Yorkers Under Age of 18

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard today celebrated the first day of the 2025 Summer Rising season at P.S. 154 Harriet Tubman, kicking off an exciting summer of engaging academics and enrichment. City leaders also celebrated the launch of the 2025 Summer Meals program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to any person 18 and under at hundreds of sites across the five boroughs. Since the start of the Adams administration, Summer Rising has expanded to serve 110,000 New York City children completely free of charge. Now in its fifth year, the program offers a full-day of academic programming while weaving in social emotional learning and enrichment, as well as fun activities provided by community-based organizations across the five boroughs Monday through Friday. Summer Rising also continues “We Outside Summer,” the Adams administration’s new initiative that includes a series of announcements, events, investments, and new programming across the five boroughs to ensure New Yorkers have a safe, enjoyable summer outside.

“New York City becomes our students’ classrooms with our Summer Rising program, offering- culturally relevant, hands-on experiences that strengthen academic and social skills,” said Mayor Adams. “In this city, we believe that learning doesn’t end on the last day of school, and this program keeps curiosity alive all summer long while keeping kids safe. With free academic support, enrichment, and fun in every borough, we’re helping 110,000 kids stay on track and thrive. We are also keeping our babies fed with free breakfast, lunch, and a snack every day with our Summer Meals program so children have a space to learn, to be a kid, and not worry about where to get their next meal. Under our administration, the results speak for themselves, and we are excited to continue that work this summer.”

“Every day, I work to ensure students in this city are not just learning, but thriving—and that families have the support they need to make that possible,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar. “In partnership with the Department of Education and DYCD, we’ve helped enhance Summer Rising—a safe and supportive space where students can grow both academically and socially, while families, especially working parents, can count on reliable care throughout the summer months.”

“Summer Rising is not only fun and exciting for our little ones, but a critical support for working families during the summer, providing nourishing meals for kids, a wide network of academic and enrichment opportunities throughout the summer months, and a safe place for parents to send their children each day. For years, Summer Rising has been a cornerstone of summer in New York City, and I am proud to continue to champion the program for our school communities,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “I encourage every family and young person to take advantage of the summer meals program across the city, and make sure to spread the word to those in your communities.”

“Summertime is here! Summer Rising is about enjoying the great outdoors, making new friends, and exploring the amazing things New York City has to offer,” said DYCD Commissioner Howard. “It’s not just about having fun, but helping young people learn the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Summer Rising is a big part of the Adams administration’s plan to give families free and safe activities during the summer, and DYCD is excited to work with our amazing partners—the New York City Public Schools and nonprofits— to make sure young people have six weeks of unforgettable fun.”

Based on an analysis of last year’s session, Summer Rising has had a significant impact on stemming summer learning loss for K-8 students in math, and K-2 students in reading, particularly impacting students in temporary housing and English Language Learners in both subjects and students with disabilities in math. This year’s program, as part of the city’s commitment to listening and responding to families, will include more enrichment programming during the academic portion of the day, ensuring that lessons are not only educational, but engaging.

Any student attending school in New York City, who is currently in kindergarten through eighth grade during the 2024-2025 school year is eligible for Summer Rising. Similar to last year, placements are assigned with a focus on equity, including prioritizing students with academic needs, students in temporary housing and foster care, students in 12-month Individualized Education Program programs (Chapter 683, Extended School Year, and Autism Nest or Horizon), and students with a local connection to a school-year community-based organization program or school community. Six weeks of programming for middle school students, and seven weeks for elementary school students, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, will be available in July and August. Both programs began today, with middle school programming ending on August 8 and elementary school programming ending on August 15.

A full list of 2025 summer meal locations can be found on NYC Public School's website or by calling 311. No registration, documentation, or identification will be necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal, and meals will be distributed at more than 300 designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks across the five boroughs.

Today's event further highlights the Adams administration's core educational accomplishments for New York City public school students, including the creation of universal after-school program to 184,000 K-5 students;  implementing a major literacy initiative through “NYC Reads;” instituting nation-leading dyslexia supports; expanding Gifted and Talented Programs; increasing math test scores by 12 percent and English language arts test scores by 3 percent in 2023; building seven new schools for the 2025-2026 school year alone; helping students prepare for college and careers; cementing new labor contracts for teachers, principals, and staff; and, most recently, unveiling a signature math initiative, “NYC Solves,” as well as creating the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning to prioritize the city's most vulnerable students and families, including launching a historic new early child hood center focused on special education and mixed integrated classrooms.