Beacon Program

Community Services for Children and Adults of all Ages

4 children sitting together on the floor smiling.
Two girls giving a presentation about Maryland University on a stage with microphones.
A staff member helping a child with their homework.
A group of children standing and smiling while on a field trip at a bowling ally.
A little boy smiling while sitting in front of a paper mache volcano.

Our Beacon Program is a set of school-based community services for children and adults of all ages. It is run in collaboration with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). Programming operates year-round during non-school hours on weekdays, weekends, and in the summer.

Who is eligible?

  • Youths ages 5-21 who are enrolled in school can participate.
  • Beacon also offers adult programs for people who are over 21 years old.

On the West Side, our Beacon program takes place at the Joan of Arc school complex at 154 West 93 Street.

From September through early June, the Beacon program runs an after school program. During the summer (July to August), the program runs a summer day camp. Both serve kindergartners through eighth graders.

The Evening and Weekend Activities for all ages take place all year round. See the Beacon evening and weekend schedule here.

On the East Side, our strategic partner Isaacs Center has two Beacon programs. Isaacs Center’s Beacon 1 is located at elementary school PS 198 (1700 3rd Avenue) and Beacon 2 is located at middle school MS 224 (410 East 100th Street). Learn more here.

Youth

Our Beacon youth programming is designed to help young people develop the abilities and attitudes they need to graduate from high school, succeed in a career, and become active participants and leaders in the community.

Elementary School

We provide support for academic achievement through regular homework sessions and study skills development. As well as, social-emotional growth through group activities and theme-based projects.

Middle School

The Middle School offerings include a Leadership Program that allows students to explore their interests and create portfolios they can present to selective high schools. Activities range from sports and arts to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities. We also help them successfully apply for high schools that fit their goals.

High School

The High School programming helps students prepare for higher education or further skills training, work, and adulthood. Activities include:

  • job and internship opportunities
  • leadership-based Summer Institute
  • opportunities to travel abroad
  • college-level classes
  • community service projects
  • college and career-readiness support through Goddard Riverside’s Options Center
  • financial literacy education
  • monthly advisory meetings
  • four-year structured Teen Empowerment program

Adult

Beacon adult programs are designed to encourage fitness, social interaction, and community engagement. They may include activities such as Zumba, body toning classes, and basketball. Contact the program for a list of activities you can join today!

See the Beacon evening and weekend schedule here.

Beacon Program

Roy Baptiste,

Director

rbaptiste@goddard.org

646-265-1330

154 West 93rd Street

New York, NY 10025

Funding provided by NYC Department of Youth & Community Development. Beacon Centers of New York City

After School Registration K-8th Grade

Registration for the 2024-2024 school year will begin in early September online through discoverDYCD. The program operates daily M-F, 2:30 pm-6:00 pm. Learn more on our After School webpage.

Summer Camp Registration K-8th Grade

Registration is only available through the MySchools website, not directly through our program. Learn more on our Summer Camp webpage.

Classes and Workshops for all Ages

The Beacon Program hosts enriching and exciting activities for all ages! Contact the office manager for current activities available.

Registration required. Registration is available online through DYCD Connect or in person with a paper application.

For further info and to register:

Angelica Gomez,

Beacon Office Manager

agomez@goddard.org

646-265-1330

A collage with one image showings a room fill with children and a teacher at a ballet bar. Another image of a teacher helping a student at a ballet bar and a group image of young boys standing in a line on stage for a ballet performance

Ballet & Dance Classes for Youth

Goddard Riverside’s Beacon and Community Arts programs are proud to partner with Ballet and Beyond NYC to offer FREE ballet and dance classes to youth during the school year (September to June).

Students can choose from the following classes: Basic Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, Basic Modern, Intermediate Modern, and Intermediate Hip Hop.

Your child must be in first grade or higher to join. This is a technique-driven program.

To register, please complete an online registration form and a DYCD form (download below). Both forms must be completed in order to register.

For more information, please contact Michelle Cave at Ballet and Beyond NYC at michelle@balletandbeyondnyc.org.