Opinion: Students need afterschool programming now more than ever

Rachael Gazdick is CEO of New York Edge, the New York City’s largest provider of on-site afterschool programs. Photo courtesy of New York Edge

By Rachael Gazdick

New York City students are experiencing a school year like no other, hindering their ability to learn, grow, and excel both academically and personally. With the ongoing changes in in-person and virtual learning, families in Queens and across our city are forced to tackle this transition that significantly impacts students, working parents and caregivers, and communities at large. 

As local youth and their families continue to navigate the pandemic and its devastating ramifications that have rocked our communities for the past eight months, it is critically important that they have access to resources that provide some sense of normalcy while ensuring that students’ academic and personal success aren’t compromised. 

This is why afterschool programs are absolutely essential. 

As the largest provider of afterschool programming in New York City, New York Edge immediately transitioned all in-person initiatives to entirely virtual upon the recent school closures — as we did when schools closed in March – in order to continue serving our families. 

Through our virtual afterschool initiatives led by outstanding educators, students can participate in a variety of free, enriching programs alongside their peers from the safety of their homes. From STEM and coding to dance and music, our programs are customized to integrate the school day curriculum while expanding beyond the typical afterschool lane, and help to improve academic performance, health and wellness, self-confidence, and leadership skills for success in life. 

These online programs foster a positive environment after school hours that motivate students to remain focused, continue learning, and work toward achieving their goals. We are providing an outlet for local students, where they can escape the stresses of this pandemic and participate in engaging, constructive activities that will ultimately help them to expand their horizons and discover their passions. 

For parents and caregivers, virtual afterschool programming offers a safe space where their children can receive help with their schoolwork and participate in educational activities that will enhance their learning, as well as fun, engaging programs that spark new interests, like robotics class, chess club, STEM, music, dance, and more. Once the school day comes to an end, caregivers have the comfort of knowing that New York Edge is there to step in and provide their children with the tools to achieve their greatest potential.

This academic year will continue to prove to be challenging. But New York Edge will continue to be there — for our students, our families, and our communities in Queens and across New York City. It’s critical that organizations like New York Edge continue to receive funding to ensure these essential services remain available to our families. I strongly encourage anyone interested in enrolling their child in our afterschool programs to visit our website at newyorkedge.org/enroll.

 Rachael Gazdick is CEO of New York Edge, New York City’s largest provider of on-site afterschool programs. New York Edge, which is headquartered in Queens, serves thousands of students in grades K-12 in more than 100 schools through its free programs that feature academics, arts, health and wellness and more. Follow New York Edge on social media at: @new_york_edge on Instagram, @newyorkedge1 on Facebook, and @New_York_Edge on Twitter.