Middle School Programs: No-Cost To Families

The UAU-SONYC After-School Program is proudly funded by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) at no-cost-to-families.

The SONYC Middle School program is full of opportunities for youth in 6th, 7th & 8th grade to explore their interests and creativity with an emphasis on youth choice and voice. The SONYC model provides engaging opportunities for instruction beyond a traditional learning setting through hands-on learning that stimulates curiosity, nurtures talents, and broadens horizons in areas of STEM, Literacy, and Youth Leadership through service, in addition to high quality arts instruction and physical activity. The SONYC program aims to promote social and emotional learning, build resilience and encourage youth to visualize brighter futures.

The UAU-SONYC After-School programs operate September-June, Monday-Friday 3 hours daily, and are open on 10 select school holidays and breaks.

As the first model of school-based community centers, Beacon centers are school-based community centers that serve children, youth, and adults. Providing year-round, evening, and weekend programming, UAU’s Beacons provide an array of activities and services from academic support and leadership development to recreation and physical activity to civic engagement and cultural exploration that transforms its host school into a dynamic hub of resources for the whole community. Through guided learning, exposure, and development, UAU’s Beacons aim to enrich and enhance the lives of individuals, families, and communities. UAU’s Beacons are safe havens that shine a light on opportunity for youth, adults, and communities.