BronxWorks + Playocity | Enrichment Programs for Kids in New York
Last summer, we had the opportunity to work with BronxWorks for its Summer Rising Initiative. This was a fantastic collaboration that allowed us to provide enrichment programming for kids in New York. The program was a huge success, having had more than 500 participants from various elementary and middle schools in the Bronx community.
We at Playocity are beyond proud and honored to have shown our support for this initiative by providing acting and dance workshops to the learners. Through our carefully curated workshops, participants were able to learn and hone their acting and improv skills, giving them more room for self-expression and creativity.
We believe in every child’s innate need to play, which is why we’re focused on creating unique enrichment programs that tap into that spirit of creative play and learning. The Summer Rising Initiative allowed us to share our play-based, engaging classes with young learners while nurturing their mental and physical well-being.
BronxWorks’ 2022 Summer Rising Initiative
BronxWorks’ 2022 summer programming kicked into full gear with programs such as the Summer Rising Initiative, summer camps, Cornerstone Programming, and Summer Youth Employment Program.
The six-week program was free for elementary and middle school participants and offered a variety of activities that aimed to develop different learning aspects and abilities.
Aside from our acting and dance workshops, BronxWorks’ Summer Rising Initiative offered a varied roster of activities that were made possible through partnerships with different organizations. Participants learned about engineering and architecture with the help of the Salvadori Center. This contributed to enhancing the initiative’s STEM program through lessons and projects that highlighted the significance of math, science, and the arts. The STEM component of the program culminated with a STEM Expo that gathered all the participants from BronxWorks’ other summer programs.
SNAP-Ed Educators from BronxWorks carried out nutrition and fitness programs, which were complemented by a hands-on culinary program called Teen Battle Chef (TBC). Learners also had the opportunity to learn from officers from the NYPD 40th precinct through the Bigs in Blue partnership, where they were mentored by officers on an array of important topics.
BronxWorks also worked with its Children & Youth and Older Adult Services Department, bringing together different generations of participants to create and strengthen their bonds through activities like gardening, cooking, and arts and crafts.
The initiative offered a balance between indoor learning and outdoor activities. Participants were able to learn about how to bike safely in an urban setting thanks to Bike NYC. They were also introduced to the joys of tennis by Gotham Tennis, which offered a scholarship to one student, allowing them to continue their lessons.
Summer participants enjoyed a diverse array of field trips. They visited Coney Island, the Central Park Zoo, the New York Aquarium, and the Museum of Natural History, among many other entertaining and educational locations. The children also had the opportunity to venture into the woods. This experience enabled them to learn critical outdoor skills like orienteering and other wilderness skills. This was made possible through BronxWorks’ partnership with the NYC Parks Department.
Participants included students from X149 Bronx Preparatory School, PS 42, and PS 130. The activities were divided into two sessions. During the morning sessions, learners received academic support from DOE-certified educators, while the afternoon sessions were steeped in enrichment activities that were facilitated by the BronxWorks staff.
Including BronxWorks’ other summer programming activities, the organization was able to reach out to a total of more than 800 participants.
Transforming Education and Development: Our Partnership With BronxWorks
BronxWorks has been offering programs and services aimed at helping individuals and families achieve better economic and social well-being since 1972. The organization works with a diverse group of individuals from the Bronx, from toddlers to seniors, to enrich and strengthen this vibrant community. Some of the services that BronxWorks offers include Education and Youth Development, Health and Wellness, and Workforce Development.
We are delighted and grateful to have partnered with such an impactful organization. We were able to create memorable experiences and had such a great time working with the BronxWorks staff and learners. Our dedicated team of educators was able to share their decades of experience in the field, bringing their expertise to BronxWorks’ Summer Rising Initiative.
We at Playocity are also excited to share with you some good news. We’re taking our partnership with BronxWorks to the next level by continuing to work with them into the school year! We’ve started several programs in different locations, offering enrichment programming for kids in New York through weekly Acting and Dance classes. We’ll be working with young learners from kindergarten to Grade 5.
Our enrichment programs cover a rich selection of topics with the goal of cultivating social and transferable skills in all our students. We want to help our students become more confident and inspire them to become community leaders. Through our thoughtfully designed programs, we aim to promote not only inclusivity and diversity but also multiculturalism.
Our programs have lesson plans that are created in-house by our team of educators. We’ve designed our activities to help enhance our learners’ mental and physical wellness by adding an element of creative play. Our edutainment specialists come from diverse backgrounds and have extensive experience in fields like theatre and film. Their years of experience have given them the knowledge and skills necessary for creating and facilitating classes that not only educate but also empower and inspire learners of all ages.
We believe that through this partnership, we will be better able to help communities and chart a path for more innovative, play-based learning.
Aside from our partnership with BronxWorks, we also work with a diverse range of private and public schools, organizations, daycares, and community centers. Some of our programs include The Art of Nature, Hip Hop 101, and Creative Writing. Learn more about our enrichment programs and discover how we can help you nurture a healthier and more creative future.
