At CASW, our mission is not just education, but creating spaces where young people can be themselves. If you’re a parent in the Bronx or Upper Manhattan, now is your chance to discover free youth programs with Children’s Arts and Science Workshops (CASW). From SYEP and Summer Rising to after-school arts, STEM, and sports, explore how CASW empowers Bronx and Manhattan youth through education and workforce development. Read on to learn more about our free youth programs and the services we offer (PARA LEER ESTE ARTÍCULO EN ESPAÑOL, CLICK AQUÍ):
1. What is CASW and what programs do they offer in the Bronx?
Children’s Arts and Science Workshops, Inc. (CASW) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1968 that serves at-risk youth in the Bronx and upper Manhattan. We operate eight programs: Beacon, Compass, Cornerstone, Private Partnership, SONYC, Saturday Night Lights, Workforce and Young Men’s Initiative. Our summer offerings include free summer day camps, Summer Rising enrichment, SYEP employment, and workforce development. All programs are funded in partnership with DYCD and are free or low-cost for eligible youth. The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) supports youth and families through high-quality services, including after school programs, youth employment (such as SYEP), and support for runaway and homeless youth – it funds community-based organizations to strengthen communities and promote equity across all five boroughs.
2. Does CASW run Summer Rising sites in the Bronx and Manhattan?
Yes. CASW is a certified community-based organization (CBO) partner for Summer Rising, providing afternoon enrichment programming at Summer Rising sites in the Bronx and upper Manhattan. If your child is placed at a Summer Rising site where CASW runs the afternoon program, they will participate in arts, science, leadership and recreation activities led by our team. Summer Rising is available to all NYC students in K-8.
3. Is CASW a SYEP provider in Washington Heights?
Yes. CASW has the longest track record of SYEP service in Washington Heights and Inwood, with documented programming at over 70 locations in the community. We have been connecting young people between the ages of 14-24 in upper Manhattan with paid summer employment opportunities for decades. CASW also operates SYEP Work Readiness Training in April and May to prepare participants before the summer begins.
4. What after-school and summer programs are free at Dyckman Community Center?
CASW operates the Cornerstone Program at the Dyckman Community Center in Washington Heights, providing free year-round programming for NYCHA residents, with preference given to Dyckman community members. Programming includes academic support, creative and performing arts, workforce development and summer day camp. Activities are available throughout the week generally available to youth ages 5-24. Contact CASW at caswkids.org or (718) 542-9343 for current schedules and enrollment.
5. How do I apply to a CASW summer program for my child?
You have three ways to connect with CASW. First, visit caswkids.org and use the program finder to locate a site near you. Second, call our main office at (718) 542-9343 and speak with our team directly. Third, visit us in person at 1534 Boone Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460. Our team speaks English and Spanish and is ready to help your family find the right program this summer.
6. What is CASW’s SONYC program and how do I enroll?
SONYC (School’s Out New York City) is an after-school program designed for middle schoolers. Structured like clubs, the model offers youth choice in how they spend their time; provides rigorous instruction in sports, arts and youth leadership. NYC becomes the classroom through trips and opportunities for instruction beyond the traditional facilities. Programs are offered 3 hours each day, 5 days per week during the school year. At PS/MS 37, CASW also offers services during the summer months. For further information about enrollment, please email our program director, Dahiana Kilroy at dkilroy@caswkids.org.
7. What is CASW’s Beacon program and how do I enroll?
Located in public schools across New York City (City) and operating year-round in non-school hours on weekdays, weekends and in the summer, each Beacon transforms its host school into a resource for the whole community by offering an integrated range of programming tailored to local needs. For all participants, especially youth, Beacons offer a safe place to engage in recreational activities, discover new interests, acquire skills, and find opportunities to contribute to the community, guided and supported by program staff. The Beacons provide activities and services for school-age youth, families, and adults ages 22 years and older, including seniors. In keeping with the original concept, programs make special efforts to engage hard-to-recruit youth and young adults for whom participation in activities that foster positive youth development, social emotional learning (SEL) and leadership skills are especially beneficial. CASW runs a Beacon program at Metropolitan Soundview HS. Any inquiries for enrollment can be sent to program director Jarrell Hughes at jhughes@caswkids.org.
8. What is CASW’s Young Men’s Initiative and how does it work?
The New York City (NYC) Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), launched by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2011, was founded in response to the large inequities between Black and Latino young men and their peers in health, developmental, and economic outcomes. The program aims to serve all boys and young men of color (BYMOC) as well as younger boys and young women. CASW currently operates a YMI program in the Bronx River Cornerstone and Beacon Program at Metropolitan Soundview High School, these programs offer mentorship and leadership opportunities to participating youth. As an extension of YMI, in 2023 Mentor New York partnered with the Department for the Aging to facilitate “My New York Story”, and intergenerational mentoring initiative. Over 10 weeks, participants engaged in community-based projects that promoted mutual understanding, empathy, and respect – enabling the transfer of valuable knowledge and experiences. CASW currently operates the My Story program at the Bronx River Cornerstone and Dyckman Cornerstone.
9. Where can I find free after-school programs in Washington Heights in 2026?
CASW is proud to offer various programs across the Washington Heights Community. Right now, we offer two COMPASS programs at PS 115 and PS 18 respectively, as well as our Dyckman Cornerstone program – which operates year round 6-7 days a week, both for after school and summer camp. (All contact info is linked above.)
