Since 1999, the Arts and Education Branch of the YMCA has provided high-quality arts education and academic support to students in Syracuse City School District elementary schools, and now also in North Syracuse Central School District. Currently, the Y provides programming to 1000 students daily at McKinley-Brighton, Roberts, Franklin, The Syracuse Latin School, and Van Duyn in Syracuse, and to Roxboro Road Elementary and Middle Schools in North Syracuse.

Through these programs, our students have the opportunity to improve their academic performance while participating in a wide variety of arts programming: dance, drama, visual arts, creative writing, and music. Other enrichment offerings include such activities as STEM, sports and fitness, character development, and more.

To participate in one of these after-school programs, a child must be a currently enrolled student at the host school. Programs generally begin in October, and enrollment information is distributed directly by the schools.

McKinley-Brighton Application

Morning Program Application

McKinley-Brighton Application

Morning Program Application

You can help! A great majority of students in our Syracuse after school programs are from families with serious financial need, with few other opportunities to participate in the arts. If you would like to help ensure that we can continue to provide them with these crucial programs, we'd love to discuss it with you.

Please e-mail Phil Memmer, Executive Director of the Arts & Education Branch, at pmemmer@ymcacny.org, or call 474-6851 x328. You could also click the "Give" link at the top of the page, and select the Arts & Education Branch as the designee of your gift!