Program Recaps and Reflection

It's July, and summer is in full swing! Here at Service in Schools, we are busy preparing for the upcoming school year. However, unlike New York City students, service learning doesn't get the summer off. There are a host of activities going on across the city that may peak your interest. From volunteer opportunities to free gym access, check out some of our favorite activities below.

Volunteer with West Side Campaign Against Hunger

Last year, West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) volunteers, in partnership with New York Cards, generously donated over 19,000 hours of their time, helping WSCAH serve over 70,000 New Yorkers. WSCAH is always seeking committed and passionate volunteers. Individual volunteer opportunities are available at 263 West 86th Street for individuals 18 or older. Volunteers support WSCAH by unloading deliveries, packing food, setting up, and helping to distribute healthy food to customers. Find out more about how you can volunteer on the WSCAH website and sign up at www.newyorkcares.org.

Teen Life

These summer programs for teenagers in New York State offer a wide range of options, in cities and on college campuses all around the state. Youth can focus on coding, STEM, creative writing, visual and performing arts, cooking, and fashion design. There are even urban adventure camps where youth get to rock climb, kayak, or hike. Day and overnight options available. To find out more, visit the Teen Life website.

Keoni Movement Arts

Are you someone who practices yoga and are interested in learning how to teach a class or assist in one? Are you interested in working with people with disabilities or the elderly? Do you see yourself in a future career in the health and wellness sector? If your answer is yes to any of these, consider Keoni Movement Arts free yoga teacher training sessions happening in August. Sessions take place at a studio in Midtown West in Manhattan. Visit the Keoni Movement Arts webpage to learn more and sign up. Register for one session or all three. Space is limited, so act soon!

Summer at New York City Parks

Free Planet Fitness Summer Pass for Teens



From now through August 31, New York City youth ages 14-19 years old can work out for free at Planet Fitness locations across the five boroughs by signing up for a free High School Summer Pass seasonal memberships. The Summer Pass grants teens free access to Planet Fitness locations across the City where they can exercise and focus on their physical and mental wellbeing throughout the summer season. “While the school year came to a close, it remains essential for our young people to continue prioritizing their wellbeing and engage in healthy and enriching activities,” said Chancellor David Banks when discussing the Summer Pass program earlier this season. “I’m thrilled that Planet Fitness is creating this opportunity for teens across the City once again, and I encourage every student to get out and stay active this summer.”

Summer at the Library

Libraries across the five boroughs are the place to be as the summer is heating up! Get creative all summer long with free programs and events for all ages at the New York Public Library—with opportunities to win prizes and more! 



The Brooklyn Public Library is also offering a plethora of events and activities this summer. Check out their summer calendar for more information. And don’t forget about Queens! The Queens Public Library has a host of events scheduled this summer. Visit their website for their summer calendar. 

Free Summer Meals

Breakfast and lunch continue beyond the instructional school year. The Summer Meals Program is available throughout New York City to anyone age 18 through Friday, September 1, 2023. Designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks are open for service. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a free breakfast from 8:00-9:15am or lunch from 11:00am-1:15pm. Find a location near you.

Does your school have a great service project to share? If so, the Service in Schools team wants to know!

Invite the Service in Schools team to visit your service project. We want to see your students and school community in action. Email the Service in Schools team at ServiceinSchools@schools.nyc.gov with two weeks’ notice, and we will schedule a visit to your school to learn about your project and see the impact you are making on the community. 

Visit our website. Follow @ServiceinSchools on Twitter and @ServiceinSchools on Instagram to receive program updates, upcoming service opportunities, resources, and more. We encourage students who use Twitter and are interested in service opportunities to follow us.

Mission: Service in Schools strives to expand the number of NYC students engaged in transformative community service and service-learning experiences that enable them to use their voice, skills, and critical thinking to strengthen communities.