Thousands of Syracuse city elementary students begin Say Yes after-school program

Susan Feightner
(315) 443-1525

Nearly 2,000 Syracuse city school students in grades K-4 will begin the Say Yes After School Program on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The program began last year in the Corcoran quadrant with 800 K-3 students enrolled in the Van Duyn, Meachem, Elmwood, Dr. King, Roberts and McKinley-Brighton schools participating. This year, the program will expand to serve K-4 students in the Corcoran quadrant and will provide programming for K-3 students attending one of six elementary schools in the Fowler quadrant, including Seymour, Porter Magnet, Delaware, Bellevue, Frazer and Blodgett.

Syracuse Say Yes to Education after-school programs provide all students with a rigorous, preparatory, project-based enrichment curriculum that aligns with the Syracuse City School District curriculum, and a talent development curriculum built on students’ interest. Enrichment opportunities, youth engagement activities and leadership opportunities aim to develop the talents in all children and support their physical, social and cognitive growth in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
This year, the YMCA, Peaceful Schools and the Boys and Girls Club will partner with Say Yes to facilitate the programs at Elmwood, Blodgett and the Dr. King magnet school.

“Our students in the City of Syracuse have this opportunity because an entire city is coming together to ensure that all of our children receive the best possible programming and resources,” says Rachael Gazdick, executive director of Say Yes Syracuse. “Our after-school programs are designed to tap into students’ gifts and talents and ignite their intellectual curiosity in order for them to be prepared for their journey toward college.”

The after-school programs run two hours each day, immediately following the regular school day. The program is free and transportation is provided.