The Comprehensive After School System of NYC (COMPASS NYC) comprises more than 900 programs serving young people enrolled in grades K-12. Through its network of providers, COMPASS NYC offers high quality programs with a strong balance of academics, recreation, enrichment and cultural activities to support and strengthen the overall development of young people.
COMPASS NYC began as Out-of-School Time (OST) in 2005 with an initial investment of $46 million. Today, with increased funding and steadfast commitment by Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration, the COMPASS NYC system is projected to serve 97,000 youth with a budget of $247.3 million. New York City’s trailblazing efforts at ensuring access to quality afterschool for all its young people have been recognized nationally in publications like “Hours of Opportunity” by the Wallace Foundation, among others.
With a name change in 2014 to better represent NYC’s contribution to building afterschool systems, COMPASS NYC integrates the best OST practices with the unprecedented expansion of afterschool programs serving the City’s middle school students. Programs are offered at no cost to young people and are strategically located in public and private schools, community centers, religious institutions, public housing, and recreational facilities throughout the City. COMPASS NYC aims to help youth build skills to support their academic achievement, raise their confidence, and cultivate their leadership skills through service learning and other civic engagement opportunities
Key elements of all COMPASS NYC programs are:
- Robust opportunities for youth to explore their interests and creativity.
- Intentional integration of literacy and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematic (STEM) into traditional programming for all elementary and middle school participants to expose them to content and professions of the future.
- Age-appropriate programming that is hands-on, project-based and aligned with educational standards.
- Environments that support social and emotional learning.
- High quality arts and sports instruction.
- Strategies that support youth and families during critical educational transitions.
- Emphasis on youth engagement and making learning fun.