Cost
Free
Frederick Douglass Academy SONYC Program
Free SONYC afterschool program serving grades 6-8 in Harlem, Manhattan, run by New York Edge with sports, arts, chess, dance, lacrosse, and track
Frederick Douglass Academy’s afterschool program services middle school children in grade levels 6-8. The program runs from 2:30 PM until 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, with dismissal beginning at 5:15 PM. The program offers diverse activities including Arts & Craft, Organized Sports, Chess, Cheerleading/Dance, Boys Lacrosse, and Track.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2581 7 Avenue, New York, NY 10039 |
| Borough | Manhattan (Harlem) |
| Provider | New York Edge, Inc. |
| Website | newyorkedge.org |
| Phone | (212) 982-4676 |
Age Range
Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
Category
Youth Development
Frederick Douglass Academy SONYC program offers diverse programming including:
- Arts & Crafts: Visual arts, creative projects, and hands-on making
- Organized Sports: Team sports, athletic development, and fitness
- Chess: Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and competition
- Cheerleading/Dance: Performance, movement, and creative expression
- Boys Lacrosse: Team-building, athletics, and sportsmanship
- Track & Field: Running, jumping, throwing, and endurance training
- Academic Support: Homework help and educational enrichment
- Character Development: Building values, integrity, and responsibility
- Safe Environment: Supervised care during critical afterschool hours
New York Edge has been transforming the lives of underserved youth since 1979. What began as a single tennis program has grown into one of the largest and most comprehensive afterschool organizations in New York City, serving over 30,000 students annually at more than 100 schools across all five boroughs.
Mission & Vision: New York Edge works to bridge the opportunity gap for under-resourced students by providing high-quality afterschool and summer camp programs. The organization believes that all young people deserve access to enriching experiences that help them discover their passions, develop their talents, and achieve their full potential.
Core Program Components:
- Academic Excellence: Literacy, STEM, and homework support
- Healthy Habits: Nutrition education and physical fitness
- Arts & Culture: Visual arts, performing arts, and creative expression
- Leadership Development: Character building and civic engagement
- Career Exploration: Exposure to diverse career pathways
- Sports & Athletics: Team sports, individual sports, and fitness activities
Comprehensive Offerings: The program at Frederick Douglass Academy exemplifies New York Edge’s commitment to providing diverse activities that appeal to different student interests:
- Arts & Crafts: Building creativity and fine motor skills
- Chess: Developing strategic thinking and cognitive abilities
- Cheerleading/Dance: Combining athleticism with creative expression
- Lacrosse: Introducing students to a growing sport with college opportunities
- Track: Building endurance, speed, and individual achievement
- Organized Sports: Teaching teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition
Evidence-Based Impact: Studies have shown that students in New York Edge programs:
- Improve their grades and test scores
- Have better school attendance
- Demonstrate increased self-confidence
- Develop stronger social-emotional skills
- Are more likely to graduate high school and attend college
Harlem Presence: New York Edge has deep roots in Harlem, operating programs at multiple schools throughout the neighborhood. The organization understands the unique strengths and challenges of Harlem communities and provides culturally responsive programming that honors local heritage while creating pathways to opportunity.
Activity-Based Learning: New York Edge recognizes that young people learn best through engaging, hands-on experiences. By offering diverse activities from chess to lacrosse, the program allows students to:
- Discover hidden talents and interests
- Build skills through practice and repetition
- Experience success in multiple domains
- Develop passions that can last a lifetime
- Build confidence through achievement
The Frederick Douglass Academy program brings this comprehensive, activity-rich approach to one of Harlem’s premier schools, giving middle schoolers abundant opportunities to explore, grow, and succeed.
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Check Eligibility Confirm your child is enrolled in grades 6-8 at Frederick Douglass Academy.
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Contact the Program Speak with school staff or New York Edge coordinators about SONYC enrollment.
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Complete Application Fill out 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 from arts & crafts, sports, chess, dance, lacrosse, track, or explore multiple options.
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Attend Orientation Participate in program orientation to meet instructors and coaches.
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Start the Program Begin attending daily from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- New York Edge enrollment form
- Student information sheet
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information and consent forms
- School enrollment verification
- Physical form (for athletic activities)
- Photo/media release form
- Code of conduct agreement
- Activity preference form
Frederick Douglass Academy is easily accessible via public transportation:
- Subway: A, B, C, D trains to 145th Street (2-minute walk), 2, 3 trains to 145th Street
- Bus: M2, M3, M7, M10, M100, M101 serve the area
- Located in central Harlem with excellent transit connectivity
Parks & Recreation
Jackie Robinson Park and St. Nicholas Park offer sports facilities and green space nearby
Library
Hamilton Grange Library at 503 W 145th Street provides books and programs
Cultural Heritage
Historic Harlem with rich African American cultural institutions and arts venues
Healthcare
Harlem Hospital Center and numerous community health clinics serve the neighborhood
Last Updated: November 25, 2025