Grand Street Settlement

Program Overview

The Grand Street Settlement SONYC program operates at the organization’s historic home base at 80 Pitt Street on Manhattan’s Lower East Side - the very location where this bold and grand organization began serving immigrant families in 1916. This free School’s Out New York City program provides middle school students (grades 6-8) with enriching afterschool and summer experiences in the heart of one of NYC’s most historic neighborhoods.

Historic Location

This program operates from Grand Street Settlement’s original settlement house location - over a century of community service in the same neighborhood!

Location & Contact Information

Detail	Information
Address	80 Pitt Street, New York, NY 10002
Borough	Manhattan (Lower East Side)
Provider	Grand Street Settlement, Inc.
Website	grandstreet.org
Phone	(212) 674-1740

Program Details

Cost

Free - No cost to families

Age Range

Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)

Program Type

School’s Out New York City (SONYC)

Category

Youth Development

What Students Experience

Grand Street Settlement’s SONYC program provides comprehensive middle school programming that blends academic support, enrichment, recreation, and personal development:

• Academic Support - Homework help, literacy activities, and tutoring
• STEM Learning - Science, technology, engineering, and math enrichment
• Arts & Culture - Visual arts, performing arts, and cultural exploration
• Sports & Recreation - Team sports, fitness activities, and games
• Leadership Development - Youth voice, civic engagement, and skill-building
• Social-Emotional Learning - Building resilience, relationships, and well-being
• Career Exploration - Discovering interests and future pathways
• Community Service - Giving back and making positive impact

About Grand Street Settlement

“Bold. Grand. Inspired.” - Serving NYC Since 1916

Grand Street Settlement stands as one of New York City’s enduring settlement houses, maintaining its commitment to families for over 109 years. Their story is one of adaptation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to community.

Historical Significance:

1916 - Founded by Rose Gruening and other progressive reformers to serve the massive wave of immigrants settling on the Lower East Side. These families - primarily Jewish, Italian, and Eastern European - needed help navigating a new country, learning English, finding work, and raising children in challenging urban conditions.

Settlement House Model - Grand Street was part of the settlement house movement, where educated middle-class reformers literally “settled” in poor neighborhoods to provide services and advocate for reform. Jane Addams’ Hull House in Chicago inspired this model.

The Lower East Side - In the early 1900s, the Lower East Side was one of the most densely populated places on Earth, with tenement buildings packed with immigrant families. Grand Street Settlement provided:

• English classes for adults
• Kindergarten and childcare
• Health clinics
• Recreation and summer camps
• Job training and placement
• Cultural programs

Evolution Through Decades:

• 1920s-30s - Helped families through economic depression
• 1940s-50s - Served returning veterans and their families
• 1960s-70s - Adapted to serve Puerto Rican and Latino families
• 1980s-90s - Expanded services as neighborhood gentrified
• 2000s-present - Maintains commitment while serving diverse population

Today’s Impact:

• 109 years of continuous service
• Multiple locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Comprehensive services from birth through senior years
• $3.2 million recent investment in child care facilities
• Thousands served annually across all programs

Program Philosophy: Grand Street Settlement believes every person deserves:

• Access to high-quality education
• Economic opportunity and stability
• Health and wellness resources
• Cultural enrichment and community
• Voice in decisions affecting their lives

How to Enroll

1. Visit the historic Pitt Street location Stop by 80 Pitt Street to tour the facility and speak with program staff.

2. Call Grand Street Settlement Contact (212) 674-1740 to inquire about current enrollment and program availability.

3. Explore the website Visit grandstreet.org to learn about their full range of services for families.

4. Complete enrollment forms Fill out SONYC registration paperwork including emergency contacts and health information.

5. Submit required documents Provide proof of age, school enrollment, and any accommodation needs.

6. Attend orientation Participate in family orientation to meet staff and understand program expectations.

Required Documents

• Directoryenrollment-packet/

  • SONYC enrollment form
  • Emergency contact information
  • Medical/health information
  • Proof of age (birth certificate or passport)
  • School enrollment verification
  • Parent/guardian ID
  • Photo release consent (optional)
  • Pick-up authorization forms

Nearby Amenities

Transportation

The Lower East Side location offers excellent public transit access:

• Subway: Delancey St/Essex St Station (F, J, M, Z trains) - 0.3 miles
• Subway: Grand Street Station (B, D trains) - 0.2 miles
• Subway: East Broadway Station (F train) - 0.3 miles
• Bus: M9, M14A, M14D, M21 all serve the area
• Bike: Citi Bike stations throughout the neighborhood
• Williamsburg Bridge - Bike/walk access to Brooklyn

Community Resources

Seward Park

Historic 3.5-acre park with playgrounds, recreation center, and green space at Essex & Grand Streets (0.2 miles)

Seward Park Library

NYPL branch at 192 East Broadway with extensive resources and programs (0.2 miles)

7th Precinct

NYPD community policing at 19 1/2 Pitt Street - literally next door! (0.1 miles)

FDNY Engine 15

Fire station at 269 Henry Street providing emergency services (0.4 miles)

Nearby Groceries & Shopping

• Essex Market - 88 Essex Street (0.4 miles) - Historic public market with fresh foods
• Whole Foods - 95 East Houston Street (0.5 miles) - Full-service supermarket
• Target - Essex Crossing development (0.4 miles) - Groceries and household goods
• Trader Joe’s - 400 Grand Street (0.3 miles) - Affordable groceries
• Key Food - Multiple Lower East Side locations
• Chinatown Markets - Fresh produce and Asian groceries (0.4 miles)

About the Lower East Side

The Lower East Side is one of New York City’s most historically significant neighborhoods, known as the gateway for millions of immigrants who shaped American culture. Today it remains a vibrant, diverse community where:

History Meets Modern Life:

• Tenement Museum - Preserves immigrant history
• Historic synagogues - Reflecting Jewish heritage
• Puerto Rican and Dominican community - Established since 1950s
• Chinatown expansion - Growing Asian population
• New development - Essex Crossing and other projects
• Arts scene - Galleries, theaters, and music venues

Educational Resources:

• Multiple public schools
• Libraries and community centers
• Museums and cultural institutions
• Historic landmarks for learning

Family-Friendly Features:

• Renovated parks and playgrounds
• New recreation facilities
• Community gardens
• Cultural festivals year-round

Grand Street Settlement has witnessed and supported families through every chapter of this neighborhood’s remarkable story.

Living History

When your child attends programs at 80 Pitt Street, they’re literally walking in the footsteps of over a century of families who found help, hope, and opportunity through Grand Street Settlement. It’s a powerful connection to NYC history!

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Last Updated: November 25, 2025