New York City Officials Host Back to School Roundtable Discussion To Support Immigrant Families

For Immediate Release: August 13, 2025

Contact: SCoronel@cityhall.nyc.gov, 646-385-0334

NEW YORK — NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), New York City Public Schools, NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD), and the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) hosted an immigrant media roundtable to help immigrant families and their children be prepared for the upcoming school year.

At the roundtable, MOIA, NYC Public Schools, DYCD, and ACS Commissioners discussed how the City is helping families get ready for the school year and share information about steps being taken to keep children safe at school, including through after-school programs, community resources, and support.  

MOIA discussed the importance of partnerships amongst city agencies to collaborate in support our immigrant community, such as Project Open Arms to alleviate fear and provide comfort to immigrant students. NYC public schools covered a variety of topics ranging from their Cellphone policy to the system’s streamlined information channels that keep parents promptly informed in their language of preference. DYCD provided details regarding the expansion of their elementary after-school programs, Saturday Night Lights, as well as the continuous work of the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) in partnership with the NYPD. Lastly, ACS highlighted their Family Enrichment Centers, and emphasized the use of their Family Support Line at (212) 676-7667 for those seeking assistance. Over 40% of New Yorkers are immigrants and over 60% of New Yorkers are children of immigrants.

“New York City is ready to support immigrant families as we enter the new school year," said Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. "I am proud to work alongside leaders of city agencies across New York to provide children and their families the necessary resources to thrive at all levels of school. Our $331 million additional investment will ensure aftercare and other extracurricular programs continue to serve as a lifeline for hardworking immigrant New Yorkers and their children in school. As someone, who used these programs as a child, it is great to see these initiatives grow to support even more immigrant children and their families." 

“There is no greater privilege than welcoming New York City’s students into our classrooms and ensuring their families have the tools they need for a strong start to the school year,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “As families prepare for the first day, we want every parent, whether new to the city or part of a long-established community, to know that our schools are ready to support them. We are here to help with enrollment, connect families to resources in their neighborhoods, and work alongside our partners so that every child feels safe, welcomed, and ready to learn.” 

“DYCD is thrilled to unveil our 2025-2026 school-year programming, which includes an expanded elementary after-school program at 40 new locations,” said NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Keith Howard. “Our North Star goal is to provide ‘universal after-school for all.’ This investment in families would not be possible without the invaluable support of our amazing nonprofit partners, NYCPS, and our innovative, forward-thinking Mayor. We encourage New Yorkers to visit our website or discoverDYCD—both available in multiple languages—to find the nearest free programs, and to get their child off to a great start this new school year.” 

“There is no greater responsibility than ensuring our littlest New Yorkers are safe and their have families have everything they need to help them grow and thrive. As children prepare to go back to school, we are doing all we can to make sure all families living in New York City know about the resources available to them,” said Jess Dannhauser, Commissioner of the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). “Whether it’s food insecurity, access to clothing, help with substance abuse treatment or being connected to mental health counseling, we encourage all families with children to reach out to our dedicated support line to get the services they need to help their families grow and thrive: 212-676-7667, or visit our website: www.nyc.gov/ForFamilies which can be translated into a variety of languages.”