A year-round community centers for young people

Beacon Programs | NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)

Enrichment Grade-Schooler Pre-Teen Teen Young Adult Caregiver

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.

Programs operate year-round during non-school hours on weekdays, weekends, and in the summer.

  • Programs are hosted in New York City public schools, but some programs are open to the whole community.
  • Beacon offers activities and services for school-age youth, families, and adults, including seniors.
  • Beacon makes special efforts to engage hard-to-recruit youth and young adults. Program areas include:
    • Academics: Including tutoring, homework help, reading clubs, and financial literacy.
    • Life Skills: Activities designed to increase personal responsibility, self-esteem, and confidence.
    • Career and School to Work Transition: Including career exploration workshops, work readiness opportunities, and help transitioning between school programs.
    • Community Building: Activities designed to strengthen leadership skills, community awareness, and civic responsibility.
    • Recreation, Health, and Fitness: Activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles such as cooking programs and organized sports.
    • Culture and Art: Including music, dance, photography, and drama.

Who is eligible

  • Youth ages 5-21 who are enrolled in school can participate.
  • Beacon also offers adult programs for people who are over 21 years old.

How to apply

  • Enrollment is ongoing.
  • Apply online at Discover DYCD. You can apply to multiple programs with one application.
  • Apply in-person at a Beacon community center. To find a center in your area:
    • Go to the Discover DYCD website.
    • Type “Beacon” into the “Program Search” box.
    • Enter your zip code, neighborhood, or borough, and click “Search”

How to get help

Other Enrichment Programs

NYC Youth Leadership Councils (YLC)

NYC Service

Leadership opportunities for youth

With YLCs, youth can help their communities by shaping policy, practice, and advocacy for citywide change.

Service in Schools Leadership Institute (SIS)

NYC Department of Education (DOE)

Leadership program for high school students

High schoolers can attend a week-long leadership institute this Spring Break; apply by March 4, 2022.

Comprehensive After School System of NYC (COMPASS NYC)

NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)

Afterschool programs for students

COMPASS NYC has hundreds of programs for young people in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Updated February 7, 2022