Saturday, March 22, 2014

Free and Low Cost Summer Programs for NYC Youth

SCHOOL OF CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS (SOCAPA)

SOCAPA is known as one of the premier visual and performing arts programs for young people in the world. Students travel from across the United States and all corners of the globe to participate in their Summer Intensives. Whether a novice or an advanced student, each is dedicated to working hard and gaining the most that they can for the length of the program. SOCAPA currently holds it's Summer Camp Programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Vermont.

SOCAPA offers classes in Filmaking, Photography, Dance, Acting, Music and Screenwriting.   There are limited funds available to help defray the cost of tuition on the basis of family need and program need. Typical scholarship rewards range from $250 - $1000 (they currently do not sponsor international students). 

SOCAPA suggests the best way to submit your Scholarship Application is to register an account on their website then upload it directly to your online account (which will be created when you register).  Alternative methods of application submission and additional information can be obtained [HERE] 

SAVE THE DATE:

Open House Campus Tour for Manhattan:  

Saturday, April 12th @ 10:00 am

Open House Campus Tour for Brooklyn:

Saturday, April 12th @ 2:00 pm
*Visit SOCAPA's Website for more details


Applications will be reviewed on the following dates and families will be notified of the committees decision within two weeks of receipt via email.


March 15, 2014 April 15, 2014 May 15, 2014

After May 15, applications will be reviewed upon receipt for programs that still have availability.

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CIS SUMMER CHESS CAMPS - (3rd graders and up)

From their website:

Summer chess programs offer kids a great chance to learn and play or to improve their game. This summer, Chess-in-the-Schools is offering programs in schools and community-based organization sites, helping to provide a safe, fun, and educational activity for kids around the city. Chess-in-the-Schools is also providing a chess program at Camp Ramapo Anchorage in Rhinebeck, New York - a summer camp for disadvantaged New York City children with special needs. More than 600 children learn chess there each summer.  To learn more, click [HERE]
*More detailed information on their summer programs will be posted first week of April.*
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 OASIS DAY CAMPS

 (ages 4-11)

From their website:

"Oasis Children's Services is dedicated to a community-oriented, holistic approach to youth development. Oasis collaborates with schools, youth-service organizations and public agencies to create outstanding summer camps and summer enrichment programs for children and families.
Oasis Mission: To provide customized, engaging programs for children and families by transforming local school and public spaces into fun, vibrant communities.  Oasis programs create safe and inclusive environments where children develop life skills though quality experiences in the arts, athletics, and enrichment activities."

Two weeks at Oasis Summer Camp as a 'new family' costs $1,060 per two week session excluding bus service.  Additional information on prices can be accessed [HERE]; however, they also operate 'funded' programs in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Long Island.  Their enrollment policy is described as 'flexible'' but for the best chance at securing a placement, we suggest you contact them as soon as possible.  Their website can be accessed by clicking [HERE] or you can contact them directly via snail mail, telephone, fax and/or email:
Oasis Children's Services LLC
20 Jay Street, Suite 802
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 800-317-1392
Fax: 718-855-2435
info@oasischildren.com
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WISHBONE
“Through Wishbone you can activate a child’s ambition…”- TechCrunch
Excerpt:
 
Wishbone's goal is to inspire thousands of kids to redefine their future and pursue their passions, they believe that everyone deserves to have equal opportunities.  Students learn about Wishbone from their teachers and apply online.  The criteria are as follows:

  • Current high school student (grades 9 through 12)
  • Living in New York City or the San Francisco Bay Area
  • Low-income
  • Passionate about a particular interest, such as music, science, leadership, or athletics.

Wishbone has a network of high-quality, accredited programs for students to choose from, based on their interests and location. Each program is vetted for our students and their skill sets.
If a student applies and qualifies for a program, we invite them to complete a full application, including:
  • Brief questions
  • A personal essay
  • Consent from a parent or guardian
  • A written recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor.
Learn more about Wishbone by visiting their Website.

Check back often.  As more information is gathered, this list will be updated.