200K Kids In NYC's 'Summer Rising' Youth Program

NEW YORK CITY — The last chance to sign up for New York City's largest summer youth program is coming up fast.

"Summer Rising" online applications close at the end of Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

But it's not as though there's a lack of interest in the program's promised blend of summer academics, arts, recreation and social-emotional support. About 200,000 kids are already signed up for the free, all-day program, de Blasio said.

"It's making a huge difference and it's going to help kids get ready for the fall and be ready to come back to school stronger," he said.

De Blasio touted the program as the "end of summer school as we know it" when he announced it in April.

And at least one parent — Liza Schatzman, of Staten Island — leapt on the chance.

"I am a full-time working mom of four, my husband works full-time as well," Schatzman said alongside de Blasio during his Monday briefing. "So when this program came out, I literally told him it's the working parents' dream."

Schatzman said it's a kid's dream as well. Her children get to see their teachers over the summer and catch up on academic work from a difficult school year under the shadow of coronavirus.

Walk-in applications for Summer Rising end Monday. Online applications must be made by midnight at the end of Tuesday, de Blasio said.

More information and a sign up link can be found here.