Age Range
11-14 years old
Middle school students
Columbia Secondary School - Manhattan SONYC Program
FREE COMPASS program fostering partnerships between faculty, families, and students to enhance character, leadership, and creativity. Ages 11-14 in Morningside Heights with project-based learning.
The COMPASS program at Columbia Secondary School aims to foster deep partnerships between faculty, families, and students in order to enhance student character, leadership qualities, and creativity. By embracing participants’ ability to explore their world, they discover passions and learn to strengthen their community. Through a diverse selection of program offerings in a project-based learning format, participants explore and showcase their discoveries.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 425 West 123rd Street, New York, NY 10027 |
| Borough | Manhattan |
| Neighborhood | Morningside Heights / West Harlem |
| Website | ywashhts.org |
| Provider | YW Washington Heights |
| Zip Code | 10027 |
Cost
100% FREE
SONYC-funded COMPASS program
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
After-school COMPASS programming
Category
Youth Development
Character, leadership, creativity
The COMPASS program at Columbia Secondary School offers project-based programming designed to develop the whole child:
- Core Values: Building integrity, respect, responsibility, and empathy
- Ethical Decision-Making: Learning to make thoughtful, principled choices
- Self-Reflection: Understanding personal strengths and areas for growth
- Community Responsibility: Understanding our role in strengthening community
- Positive Mindset: Developing resilience and growth-oriented attitudes
- Student Voice: Opportunities to lead projects and initiatives
- Collaboration: Working effectively with peers toward common goals
- Communication: Public speaking, presentation skills, active listening
- Problem-Solving: Identifying challenges and creating solutions
- Mentorship: Supporting peers and younger students
- Project-Based Learning: Student-driven projects based on personal interests
- Discovery Process: Exploring the world through inquiry and investigation
- Creative Expression: Arts, writing, performance, digital media
- Innovation: Developing new ideas and approaches to challenges
- Showcase Opportunities: Presenting discoveries to families and community
- Three-Way Collaboration: Deep partnerships connecting school, home, and student
- Family Engagement: Parents actively involved in program planning and events
- Faculty Support: Teachers and staff guiding exploration and learning
- Student Agency: Youth taking ownership of their learning journey
- Shared Goals: Everyone working together toward student success
- STEM Projects: Science investigations, technology builds, engineering challenges
- Arts Programs: Visual arts, music, dance, theater, creative writing
- Community Projects: Service learning and neighborhood improvement initiatives
- Cultural Exploration: Learning about diverse cultures and perspectives
- Wellness Activities: Physical fitness, nutrition, mindfulness
YW Washington Heights (formerly YWCA Washington Heights & Inwood) has been serving Upper Manhattan communities since 1929. As a comprehensive youth and family service organization, YW Washington Heights provides after-school programs, summer camps, early childhood education, and family support services.
The organization’s COMPASS program at Columbia Secondary School embodies their commitment to youth development through deep partnerships and project-based learning that makes education meaningful and relevant to students’ lives.
-
Contact the School
Reach out to Columbia Secondary School or visit ywashhts.org for program information. -
Learn About COMPASS
Attend an information session to understand the project-based learning approach and program expectations. -
Complete Enrollment Forms
Fill out SONYC COMPASS application including emergency contacts and medical information. -
Discuss Interests
Share your child’s interests and passions to help guide project selection. -
Begin Participating
Start attending after-school sessions and engage in project-based learning experiences.
- SONYC COMPASS enrollment application
- Proof of age (birth certificate or school ID)
- Proof of NYC residency
- Emergency contact information
- Medical/health information
- Activity consent forms
- Photo/media release consent
- Project interest survey
- Family contact information
Public Transportation
Subway: 1 train to 125th St (2 min walk)
Bus: M4, M104, M60 SBS routes nearby
Excellent access from Upper Manhattan
Columbia University
Columbia Campus (adjacent)
University resources, libraries, cultural events, green spaces nearby
Parks & Recreation
Morningside Park (0.3 mi)
Riverside Park (0.5 mi)
Playgrounds, sports courts, waterfront access
Libraries
Morningside Heights Library (0.4 mi)
Columbia University Libraries (adjacent)
Free books, homework help, youth programs
- Project-Based Learning: Student-driven exploration of personal passions
- Deep Partnerships: Faculty, families, and students collaborating toward shared goals
- Character Focus: Building integrity, leadership, and positive values
- Creativity Emphasis: Multiple outlets for creative expression and innovation
- Community Connection: Projects that strengthen neighborhood and build civic engagement
- Showcase Opportunities: Present discoveries to families and community
- Experienced Provider: YW Washington Heights serving Upper Manhattan since 1929
- Prime Location: Adjacent to Columbia University with access to university resources
Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Program Type: School’s Out New York City (SONYC) - COMPASS
Provider: YW Washington Heights
Zip Code: 10027