East Side Community School SONYC Program

Free SONYC afterschool program serving middle school students in East Village, Manhattan, run by University Settlement with sports, academic enrichment, and social-emotional learning

Program Overview

SONYC at East Side Community School serves middle school students with engaging programming that includes sports, academic enrichment activities, and social development opportunities. All activities are structured to meet participants’ needs and build on their social and academic competencies, creating a well-rounded afterschool experience that complements the school day.

Location & Contact Information

Detail	Information
Address	420 East 12 Street, New York, NY 10009
Borough	Manhattan (East Village)
Provider	University Settlement Society of New York
Website	universitysettlement.org
Phone	(212) 453-4225

Program Details

Cost

Free

Age Range

Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)

Program Type

School’s Out New York City (SONYC)

What Students Experience

East Side Community School SONYC program offers comprehensive programming including:

Sports & Recreation: Team sports, fitness, and physical activities
Academic Enrichment: Homework help, tutoring, and educational support
Social Competencies: Building interpersonal skills and relationships
Character Development: Leadership, responsibility, and positive values
Creative Activities: Arts, music, and self-expression opportunities
Fun Engagement: Structured activities designed to be enjoyable and meaningful
Community Building: Fostering connections with peers and mentors
Safe Environment: Supervised afterschool care during critical hours

About University Settlement Society of New York

University Settlement, founded in 1886, is one of the oldest settlement houses in the United States and a pioneering institution in the social services field. For over 135 years, the organization has been serving immigrants and low-income families on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and beyond.

Historic Mission: University Settlement was founded by college students and professors who believed in bridging the gap between social classes by “settling” in immigrant neighborhoods to provide education, social services, and community support. This settlement house movement transformed how America addresses poverty and inequality.

Evolution & Impact: From its beginnings in a tenement on Eldridge Street, University Settlement has grown into a comprehensive social services agency operating multiple sites across Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. The organization serves over 30,000 individuals annually through diverse programs.

Core Services:

Early Childhood: Head Start, pre-K, and childcare programs
Youth Development: Afterschool, summer camp, and teen services
Community Centers: Cornerstone and neighborhood hubs
Adult Services: English classes, workforce development, and senior programs
Mental Health: Counseling and clinical services
Arts & Culture: Music school, theater, and creative programs
Family Support: Case management and social services

Community-Centered Philosophy: University Settlement’s approach is rooted in:

Empowerment: Helping individuals build their own capacity
Community: Creating connections and social capital
Excellence: Providing high-quality, evidence-based services
Innovation: Adapting to meet changing community needs
Advocacy: Fighting for policies that support working families

Lower East Side Legacy: University Settlement has deep roots in the Lower East Side and East Village, neighborhoods that have been gateways for immigrants for over a century. The organization understands the unique challenges and strengths of diverse, rapidly changing urban communities.

The SONYC program at East Side Community School continues this tradition of service, providing middle schoolers with enriching experiences that build both academic and social-emotional skills during the critical afterschool hours.

How to Enroll

Check Eligibility Confirm your child is enrolled in grades 6-8 at East Side Community School.
Contact the Program Reach out to University Settlement or school coordinators about SONYC enrollment.
Complete Application Fill out enrollment forms with student and family information.
Submit Documentation Provide required documents including emergency contacts and medical information.
Attend Orientation Participate in program orientation to meet staff and learn about activities.
Start Participating Begin attending daily afterschool programming.

Required Documents

Directoryenrollment-packet/
- University Settlement enrollment form
- Student information sheet
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information and consent forms
- School enrollment verification
- Photo/media release form
- Code of conduct agreement
- Activity preference form