Youth & Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR PROGRAMS

Elementary Programs

At the core of every St. Nicks after-school and summer day camp experience is thematic literacy which links all program activities and makes learning fun.  Children read books, play games, create art and participate in recreational activities and trips related to the central theme.  Past themes have included "I Art New York," "Dance with Me," "The Circus," and "Around the World in 80 Days."  For each theme, students demonstrate their achievements and showcase their talents via a culminating performance event for their families.  Our programs also offer academic enrichment through visual arts (provided in partnership with the Joan Mitchell Arts Foundation); drama and dance; martial arts; photography; newsletter writing and publishing; and health and fitness workshops (programs vary by site).

The elementary program operates within the hours of 2:30- 6:30pm with special holiday programs during school closings (schedules vary by site).  St. Nicks is proud to partner with the following elementary schools:  P.S. 18- Edward Bush School; P.S. 19 – Roberto Clemente School; and P.S. 250 –  George Lindsey School. School Settlement Association, with whom we have a strategic alliance, partners with the following schools:  PS 132 – The Conselyea School; PS 17 – Henry D. Woodworth School; and PS 34 – Oliver H. Perry School, as well as operating a program at its building site at 120 Jackson Street.  Please also see  Beacon Community Centers for a list of elementary schools served at our two Beacons.

During the summer months, St. Nicks and School Settlement offer Day Camp for elementary grade children; activities include literacy, sports, arts and crafts, performing arts, weekly field trips, and swimming.  Day Camp generally operates for 8 weeks between 8:00am and 6:00pm.  Currently, St. Nicks operates Day Camp at PS 18 - Edward Bush School and PS 19 - Roberto Clemente School.  School Settlement Association operates Day Camp at PS 34 - Oliver H. Perry School and at its building site.

Middle School After-School Programs

St. Nicks' middle school programs help youth make the transition from elementary to high school by developing skills to become independent healthy young adults.   Our core program activities include: Academic Enrichment; Life Skills; Leadership Development; Community Service; and Recreation.

All Middle School youth participate in the following activities:
  • Personal and social development through Bros & Sis; Young & Powerful; Express Yourself; and My Life
  • Positive socialization through Just Us Lounge and monthly themed evening events such as Pajama Party Day, Twin Day, and Wacky Tacky Day
  • Field trips to museums and movie theatres; outings such as bowling and City Scavenger Hunts; and visits to other St. Nicks' programs
  • Recreation and sports such as basketball, volleyball, teambuilding activities.

Youth also choose to participate in the following clubs/ activities based on their personal interests:

  • Drama, Dance, Art, and Sports Clubs
  • Leadership Development Club comprised of workshops, retreats, and special events specifically designed to promote leadership skills in early teens
  • Community Service & Service Learning Projects such as Breast Cancer Walk, AIDS Walk, and hurricane relief efforts
  • Youth Entrepreneurship Club in partnership with Junior Achievement
  • Media Literacy Club to learn about advertising and media awareness with projects such as public service announcement and print ads

The middle school program runs daily for 3 to 4 hours after the school day (schedules vary by site) with special holiday programs during school closings.  St. Nicks is pleased to partner with the following schools and programs: JHS 126; Beginning with Children Charter School; and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Williamsburg Community Center.  Please also see Beacon Community Centers for a list of middle schools served at our two Beacons.

During the summer months, St. Nicks offers a Teen Camp for middle school youth.  Activities include Art, Drama, Dance, Literacy, Theme Days, Field Trips, Swimming, Park/ Field Days, and Board World.  Teen Camp generally operates for 8 weeks between 8:30am and 5:30pm.

High School Programs

The teen years are a time for youth to pursue their own interests, gain experience, and plan for college, careers, and lives as young adults.  To support them, we offer focused programs that youth can choose based on their needs and interests.   

Literacy Peers, trains selected high school students in literacy development and instructional support strategies during a structured 12-week course.  Graduates can apply to work in junior-level positions in St. Nicks’ after-school and summer programs. 

REACH, a collaborative project between high school teachers and St. Nicks’ staff, trains selected students to become tutors to their peers in core subject areas.  Academic support is supplemented by enrichment activities and workshops.

Learning-to-Work Program, provides career experiences to students aged 17 to 21.  Located onsite at Bushwick Community High School, Learning-to-Work's comprehensive approach includes individual assessment and planning; college preparation and counseling; career exploration; supportive services/ counseling; and paid internships through our network of over sixty businesses, corporations, and organizations.

Community Achievement Project in the Schools (CAPS), a United Way initiative at the High School for Enterprise Business and Technology, works with administrators and staff to provide intensive individualized support to students who are not attending school regularly.  Services include counseling, family involvement, outreach and home visits, and social and recreational activities.  In the last two years, CAPS students have participated in a special United Way Science Grant to help them earn Science and Math credits.

Summer Youth Employment Program, provides seven weeks of work readiness training and employment to young people ages 14 to 21.  In the last two years, we have placed over 700 young people in our network of businesses, corporations, and community organizations.

Teen Action, uses youth voice to promote civic engagement and social responsibility by engaging students in activities such as voter registration drives and forums on gun violence.

St. Nicks is pleased to work with the following high schools: Brooklyn Preparatory High School; Bushwick Community High School; The Green School; PROGRESS High School; High School for Enterprise Business and Technology; School of Legal Studies; Williamsburg Preparatory High School; Williamsburg High School for Architecture & Design; and Williamsburg Charter School. 

For more information about our elementary, middle, high school programs, please call (718) 599-9224.