In a landmark announcement on the 20th anniversary of New York City’s after-school system, Mayor Eric Adams has committed to an unprecedented $331 million investment aimed at achieving universal after-school access for all public elementary and middle school students by Fall 2027.

This major expansion, introduced as part of the mayor’s “Best Budget Ever,” will increase the total number of students served to 184,000 and bring the city’s annual after-school spending to $755 million — the first expansion of its kind in over a decade.

“For the first time ever, the city is beginning a comprehensive effort to strengthen and scale after-school programs,” Mayor Adams stated, “with the goal of achieving universal access for all students and families across the five boroughs.”

The initiative, which starts phasing in with the FY2026 Executive Budget and will be fully baselined by FY2028, includes the addition of 20,000 new K-5 after-school slots over three school years. The new funding will support New York City’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) programs, specifically COMPASS and SONYC.

The announcement has drawn wide praise from leaders of nonprofit organizations, education advocates, and community stakeholders:

“Today we applaud Mayor Adams and his administration for investing $331 million in new baselined funding… This long-awaited investment will allow providers to increase worker salaries and provide additional seats,” said Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way of New York City.

“For too long, after-school providers have been stretched thin and underfunded. This announcement is an important step toward strengthening these vital programs,” added Phoebe C. Boyer, president and CEO of Children’s Aid.

Richard R. Buery Jr., CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, emphasized the broader impact: “This expansion will make high-quality, free after-school programming available to more families across the city, helping to reduce costs for working parents, enrich children’s learning, and make New York a better, more affordable place to raise a family.”

From the Lower East Side to Queens, community organizations echoed similar sentiments.

“After-school programming is essential for providing students and working families with stability and opportunities,” said Robert Cordero, CEO of Grand Street Settlement. “We’re proud to be part of the movement to ensure every child has access to safe, enriching, and empowering afterschool opportunities.”

Laurie R. Dien of The Pinkerton Foundation added, “Providing additional funds will enhance program quality and give hardworking staff the pay they deserve. ‘It takes a village’ isn’t just a cliché — it is an obligation.”

David Garza, CEO of Henry Street Settlement, noted the critical role these programs play: “They advance the academic, social-emotional, and recreational development of our youth, while allowing parents to work without fear for their children’s well-being.”

Mayor Adams’ plan also garnered applause from major networks like New York Edge, Commonpoint, YMCA of Greater New York, Chinese-American Planning Council, and others.

“By creating more opportunities for young people to explore their passions, we are tapping into the gifts and potential of our youth,” said Rachael Gazdick, CEO of New York Edge. “We are building the next generation of scientists, artists, tech leaders, and so many others.”

Organizations such as the Citizens’ Committee for Children, United Neighborhood Houses, CAMBA, Good Shepherd Services, and Phipps Neighborhoods also praised the plan for addressing long-standing funding gaps and quality improvements.

“This $331 million investment isn’t just about expanding afterschool programs for K-5 youth,” said Andre White, CEO of Phipps Neighborhoods. “It’s about strengthening the ecosystem that helps young people thrive.”

As part of Mayor Adams’ broader fiscal strategy, this initiative is a major milestone in tackling affordability, educational equity, and public safety. With the support of dozens of partners across the city, the plan lays the foundation for a universal, high-quality after-school system that could transform the lives of generations of New Yorkers.

“This is an important milestone for children in New York City,” said Saskia Traill, CEO of ExpandED Schools. “Investment in after-school is investment in our city’s future.”