Cost
Free (with meals)
East New York Middle School of Excellence SONYC Program
Free SONYC afterschool program serving grades 6-8 in East New York, Brooklyn, run by SCO Family of Services with leadership, cosmetology, media, arts, and STEAM activities
SCO Family of Services’ Family Dynamics After School program at East New York Middle School of Excellence provides comprehensive activities for young people in grades 6-8. The program operates from 2:20 PM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, offering diverse enrichment including Leadership, Cosmetology, Media Club, Physical Activity, Visual Art, and STEAM. Hot meals are provided daily by the Department of Education, ensuring students receive proper nutrition during afterschool hours.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 605 Shepherd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208 |
| Borough | Brooklyn (East New York) |
| Provider | SCO Family of Services |
| Website | sco.org |
| Phone | (631) 665-8000 |
Age Range
Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
Category
Youth Development
East New York Middle School SONYC program offers comprehensive programming including:
- Leadership Development: Building confidence, responsibility, and decision-making skills
- Cosmetology: Hair styling, beauty techniques, and grooming skills
- Media Club: Video production, journalism, digital content creation
- Physical Activity: Sports, fitness, and wellness programming
- Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, and creative expression
- STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math activities
- Academic Support: Homework help and tutoring
- Hot Meals: Nutritious meals provided daily by DOE
- Safe Environment: Supervised care during critical afterschool hours
SCO Family of Services has been serving New York’s most vulnerable children and families since 1895, making it one of the state’s oldest and largest child welfare agencies. For over 125 years, SCO has been committed to breaking the cycle of family dysfunction and building pathways to success for young people.
Mission: SCO’s mission is to help children, adults, and families build better futures through comprehensive services that address education, health, safety, and well-being. The organization believes that with the right support, all people can overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
History & Legacy: Founded in 1895 as the State Charities Aid Association, SCO began by advocating for orphans and children in need. The organization has evolved into a comprehensive human services provider operating programs throughout New York City and Long Island.
Core Services:
- Child Welfare: Foster care, adoption, and family preservation
- Youth Development: Afterschool, summer camp, and teen programs
- Education: Special education schools and therapeutic services
- Early Childhood: Pre-K, childcare, and Early Head Start
- Behavioral Health: Mental health counseling and clinical services
- Community Programs: Recreation centers and neighborhood supports
- Residential Care: Group homes and specialized placements
- Workforce Development: Job training and employment services
Trauma-Informed Approach: SCO uses evidence-based, trauma-informed practices across all programs, recognizing that many children and families have experienced adversity. The organization:
- Provides therapeutic supports integrated into programming
- Trains staff in trauma-informed care and positive youth development
- Creates safe, nurturing environments where healing can occur
- Addresses root causes of challenges, not just symptoms
Community Impact: SCO serves over 70,000 individuals annually through more than 60 programs across New York. The organization’s work spans prevention to intensive intervention, offering a continuum of care tailored to individual and family needs.
The Family Dynamics program at East New York Middle School exemplifies SCO’s commitment to holistic youth development. By offering diverse enrichment from cosmetology to STEAM, the program helps middle schoolers discover their interests, build skills, and develop confidence during a critical stage of development.
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Check Eligibility Confirm your child is enrolled in grades 6-8 at East New York Middle School of Excellence.
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Contact the Program Reach out to SCO Family of Services or school coordinators to express interest.
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Complete Application Fill out SONYC enrollment forms with student and family information.
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Submit Documentation Provide required documents including emergency contacts and medical information.
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Select Activities Choose enrichment activities based on your child’s interests (leadership, cosmetology, media, arts, STEAM, etc.).
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Attend Orientation Participate in program orientation to meet staff and learn about schedules.
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Start Attending Begin participating daily from 2:20 PM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- SCO SONYC enrollment form
- Student information sheet
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information and consent forms
- School enrollment verification
- Dietary restrictions/allergies form (for meals)
- Photo/media release form
- Code of conduct agreement
- Activity preference form
East New York Middle School of Excellence is accessible via multiple transit options:
- Subway: 3 train to Junius Street (5-minute walk) or Rockaway Avenue
- Bus: B12, B15, B20, B83 serve the East New York area
- Located in central East New York with good neighborhood connectivity
Parks & Recreation
Highland Park offers extensive green space, playgrounds, and sports facilities nearby
Library
New Lots Library at 665 New Lots Avenue provides books, programs, and study space
Healthcare
Brookdale Hospital Medical Center and community health centers serve the area
Community Programs
Multiple SCO and community programs available throughout East New York
Last Updated: November 25, 2025