Upper West Side after-school switch unravels as YMCA exits and Manhattan Youth returns

Before the school year’s first month was out, the YMCA of Greater New York backed out of running after-school programs at two Upper West Side middle schools, West End Secondary School and the Computer School. Manhattan Youth, the provider both schools used before, will bring back its sports, musical theater and arts offerings on Oct. 19.

Families at the two schools learned of the YMCA’s withdrawal this week in a letter from District 3 Superintendent Reginald Higgins.

NYC after-school contract overhaul hits snags

The reversal follows the Department of Youth and Community Development’s first re-bid in years of the contracts held by community groups that run after-school care. Those programs serve over 100,000 kids in the city’s elementary and middle schools. Last spring, parents at several schools objected to losing providers they valued. They sent letters, held rallies and circulated petitions, but the decisions stood. Some parents now say several of the incoming programs have had trouble hiring staff and launching, leaving children with few places to go after dismissal.

City officials said the new round created 10,000 additional seats and updated provider rates, which now fall between roughly $4,000 and $7,000 for each student, varying with the child’s age. The contracts run until 2032, and some pushed out groups that had worked with a school for over a decade. Principals were asked to rank three preferred providers, yet several schools said their top picks were not chosen.

YMCA programs at other schools were operating at full capacity this week, city officials said, with school staff filling gaps in supervising teams and activities. Youth department spokesperson Mark Zustovich said the focus is on serving young people and making sure families get clear information and stable programs.

How many after-school sites the YMCA now runs

The re-bid reshuffled the organization’s map more than it shrank it. According to YMCA representatives, 13 of the 33 city-funded programs it held before the overhaul went to other groups, while 15 new ones came its way. Giving up the two Upper West Side schools brings the total down to 32. Matt Ferraguto, speaking for the organization, said the YMCA was asked to offer comprehensive programs spanning leadership, academics, arts and sports, rather than a single competitive sports or musical theater program.