NYC offers public education and many free and low-cost support services. There are specific programs to support low-income families or students in temporary housing.
Students in temporary housing can continue going to the same school and receive a new school bus route or a MetroCard to get there. They can also transfer to a new school closer to where they’re living and are entitled to immediate enrollment. Students in temporary housing do not need to show proof of residency in order to get help. Visit the NYC Department of Education (DOE) page for more information.
What help can I get?
If you have questions about school enrollment, visit the Enrollment page on the Department of Education (DOE) website. You can browse enrollment options by age or special situation.
If you need free or low-cost child care and education for your child ages 0-4 years old, check out the EarlyLearn and Head Start programs. You can also visit the MySchools.nyc website to find an infant and toddler program near you.
If you need help enrolling your child in 3-K or Pre-K, see the 3-K for All and Pre-K for All. You can use Myschools.nyc to begin the enrollment process or visit a Family Welcome Center (FWC) for help.
If you need to receive school information in another language, tell your school’s principal or parent coordinator. You can also call the DOE at 718-935-2013 or email [email protected].
If you or your child is over-age and under-credited, there are programs you can enroll in to catch up on education. Visit the Other Ways to Graduate page on the DOE website to learn more. There are alternative middle schools for teens who haven’t graduated eighth grade. High school equivalency (formerly GED) programs and adult education programs are also available. You can visit a Family Welcome Center (FWC) location for help.
If you’re looking for after-school or enrichment programs, visit the DiscoverDYCD website. You can search by type of service, location, and age. The website also has housing, family support, and immigration services locations.
If your child needs help with homework, free support and tutoring are available. Learn more by visiting Dial-A-Teacher or the New York Public Library website.
If your child has a disability, extra support is available. Call 718-935-2007 or email [email protected] to learn more.
How do I get started?
- Go to Access NYC and fill out a short online survey. The survey results will let you know what City benefits you’re eligible for, including some of the ones listed here. Follow the instructions on the result page to apply for benefits. You can also email your results to City staff at your child’s school or your shelter for help.
- Speak to City staff who can help. In schools, there may be an STH Community Coordinator or STH School-Based Liaison who can answer questions. If your child’s school doesn’t have those roles, reach out to the school’s regional manager. In a shelter, speak with a social worker, case manager, or family assistant.
- Gather your documents. You may need certain documents to apply for services. Common ones include proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income. Don’t let missing documents keep you from applying. City staff can help you replace missing documents.
Undocumented immigrants can access many city services, regardless of their status. City employees will not ask about immigration status unless it is necessary to do their jobs. They must keep information about immigration status confidential.
What benefits and programs does NYC offer?
Click an entry to learn more.
Education
Academic support for CUNY students
CUNY Start
Education | The City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY students seeking an associate degree can get a strong start to college with affordable courses that help them meet CUNY’s required scores in English and math.
Advanced job training and employment for youth ages 16-24
Advance & Earn
Education | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
Advance & Earn is a training and employment program for youth (ages 16-24) who are not working nor in school. Depending on your career interests and level of schooling, you can get Pre-HSE or HSE prep, paid internships, and access to advanced job training.
Career training for high school students
Career and Technical Education
Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE) lets students gain career skills as they complete high school or high school equivalency (HSE). CTE offers work-based learning experiences like job shadowing, mentorships, and internships.
Early education for three-year-olds
3-K
Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
3-K provides free, full-day, high-quality early childhood education for three-year-olds.
English conversation and learning program
We Speak NYC
Education | Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)
We Speak NYC helps English language learners age 16 and above to learn English and access services. The program has online classes, videos, web, and print materials for you to practice at home.
Free Pre-K for four-year-olds
Pre-K
Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Pre-K programs help children get a strong start in school and life. Your child can learn to problem-solve, ask questions, and explore the world around them in a safe, nurturing learning community.
Help earning your CUNY degree
Accelerated Study in Associate Programs
Education | The City University of New York (CUNY)
CUNY ASAP helps students earn an associate degree within three years by providing financial, academic, and personal support. Benefits include an ASAP advisor, career development support, tuition help for students on financial aid, and more. The program is available at (http://www1.cuny.edu/sites/asap/join-asap/#join-us) eleven CUNY colleges in all five boroughs.
High school & college for young dads
CUNY Fatherhood Academy
Education | The City University of New York (CUNY)
The CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA) is a free program for young fathers or expecting fathers who are 18 to 30 years old. The CFA helps men prepare for their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma exam or get ready for college. Men can get tutoring and take workshops on parenting, job readiness, receive counseling, financial incentives, and more.
Public school: 6th – 8th grade
Middle School
Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Middle school offers students opportunities to explore their interests, discover new subjects, and learn more about themselves. During admissions, New York City students can apply to up to 12 middle schools they would like to attend.
Public school: 9th – 12th grade
High School
Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
There are more than 700 programs at over 400 public high schools and 9 specialized high schools in NYC. During admissions, 8th graders and first-time 9th graders can apply to up to 12 high schools they would like to attend.
Public school: Kindergarten – 5th grade
Kindergarten and elementary School
Education | NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Elementary education prepares your child for success in school and life. New York City students can enter kindergarten in the calendar year they turn five.
Enrichment
A year-round community centers for young people
Beacon Programs
Enrichment | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
Beacon Programs are school-based community centers for children, youth, and adults across the City. They are a safe place for fun activities, discovering new interests, learning new skills, and finding opportunities to contribute to the community.
After school program for middle schoolers
School’s Out NYC
Enrichment | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
SONYC is an after school program for students in grades 6, 7, and 8. SONYC activities include dance, music, sports, fashion, cooking, and more.
Afterschool programs for students
Comprehensive After School System of NYC
Enrichment | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
New York City students can join free afterschool programs that offer homework help, sports, arts, and more. Hundreds of programs are located all over the City.
Leadership opportunities for youth
NYC Youth Leadership Councils
Enrichment | NYC Service
Through policy, practice, an advocacy, Youth Leadership Councils (YLCs) allow young people to address and impact the lives of New Yorkers. YLCs are hosted by City agencies, schools, and community organizations. Youth will gain community service hours, an understanding of how the City works, and personal and professional skills.
Learning and support programs for kids and adults
Cornerstone Programs
Enrichment | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
Cornerstone Programs offer NYCHA residents opportunities for fun, learning, and support. Programs are located at 99 NYCHA Community Centers throughout the five boroughs.
STEM Matters NYC Summer Enrichment Programs
STEM Matters NYC
Enrichment | NYC Public Schools
STEM Matters NYC (https://spep.libguides.com/STEMprograms) is offering free summer enrichment programs at cultural institutions throughout the five boroughs.
Программы STEM во время школьных каникул
Программы повышения квалификации STEM Matters NYC
Enrichment | Департамент образования г. Нью-Йорка (NYC Department of Education, DOE)
Программа STEM Matters NYC предлагает множество увлекательных практических занятий в области науки, технологии, инженерии и математики для учащихся с подготовительного по 12-й класс во время весенних и летних каникул.
