As the new school year begins, there's an undeniable excitement in the air. Parents proudly drop off their children, dressed for work, hoping this year will bring growth, learning and joy. But as the school day comes to an end, I find myself asking: What happens to these children once the final bell rings? Are parents forced to leave work early to pick them up? Do they walk home alone or with friends? Or, if they're fortunate, does their school offer after-school programs that keep them safe and engaged?
This question is more than just a passing thought—it's a pressing concern. Our young people desperately need constructive activities after school, especially in today’s Brooklyn, which has changed so much since my days as a student and even more since I raised my three children. I grew up as a latchkey kid, with both parents working over 50 hours a week. Despite the challenges, I was fortunate to navigate those lonely hours safely, keeping myself occupied and out of harm’s way. My children, however, were luckier. They benefited from a community ecosystem enriched by sports, church-based programs, and a strong commitment to after-school initiatives, particularly after the Bloomberg administration’s cuts to middle school programs.
But how do we ensure that today’s children have similar opportunities to succeed? The answer lies in preserving and expanding after-school programs, not cutting them. These programs are lifelines that keep children safe, engaged, and on the path to success. Unfortunately, recent reports of cuts and the elimination of after-school programs throughout New York City, particularly in Brooklyn, are alarming. They highlight an urgent need for our elected officials to act—by utilizing their budgets to support services that could save our children.
Eight years ago, while serving as vice president of External Affairs for Brookdale Hospital, I had the opportunity to partner with a local junior high school in Brownsville, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker and a community-based organization (CBO). Together, we pooled our resources to keep the school open after hours, offering free space for nonprofits, learning labs and sports organizations to provide students with structure and support. This initiative was our version of an after-school program, and it made a tangible difference in the lives of many young people.
Space is a precious commodity in New York City, and not every school has the distinction of being a community school. However, by providing free spaces, we enable nonprofits and local CBOs to thrive. These organizations save on operational costs that would otherwise go toward securing space, allowing them to focus more resources on their programs.
Three years ago, as a first-time candidate for Brooklyn Borough President, I toured Coney Island, a community that had once grappled with elevated levels of gun and gang violence. What I discovered was a peaceful solution that had significantly reduced the violence: they gave people something to do. The proliferation of new development in Coney Island and local hiring initiatives provided employment, opportunities and income to those who might otherwise have been caught up in violence. It was a simple yet effective solution—giving people something constructive to do made all the difference.
This idea is not new. Former Borough President Eric Adams utilized some of his discretionary funds to support local CBOs and non-profits by keeping schools open after hours. This approach inspired me: Why not continue to support our local groups by reducing their financial burdens while maximizing the use of existing assets—our schools?
Many of our city and state elected officials have access to discretionary and capital funds for the improvement of their districts. Positions like the borough president come with a sizable budget, which can be used not only to support communities directly but also to assist local elected officials in their advocacy. Most nonprofits rely on city and government funding to sustain their operations, and it is the government’s role to ensure that these essential services continue to thrive.
Elected officials should allocate portions of their discretionary funds to initiatives that directly impact the educational ecosystem. Housing, healthcare and education should be the cornerstones of budget priorities, particularly for those in positions of power. These are the foundational elements that determine the quality of life in our communities, and they are well within our control.
As we embark on this new school year, let us not overlook the vital importance of after-school programs. These programs are more than just a place for children to go after school—they are critical in shaping their futures, providing them with the structure, safety and opportunities they need to thrive. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for the support and resources necessary to keep these programs alive and thriving. Our children deserve nothing less, and their futures depend on it.
Khari Edwards, a Crown Heights resident, and is a Democratic candidate for Brooklyn Borough President.
