Back-to-school season is here, and so are endless opportunities to keep learning, growing, and having fun beyond the classroom. From after-school programs that spark creativity to internships that build real-world skills, there’s something for everyone!
Here, you’ll find locations, enrollment information, and important timelines. Please check this blog post regularly, as we routinely update residents on additional programs and activities. Enjoy!
Out-of-School Time Programming
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time a child or youth spends in after-school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12 at no or low cost to families.
Programs are available throughout the city with a variety of activities to choose from, including:
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Athletics and Health
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
The Office of Children and Families’ OST sites are opening between Tuesday, September 2, and Friday, September 12. Each program site handles enrollment separately. Online and paper applications will be available starting August 18.
Visit the city’s OST Program Locator to find a program that best suits your child, then contact the agency listed directly for enrollment information.
Extended Day, Extended Year Initiative Adds 15 Schools
Big news for families at participating schools across the city! Mayor Parker’s Extended Day, Extended Year initiative (EDEY) is expanding to include 15 more schools this September, bringing the total to 40 schools citywide. Find out if your school is an Extended Day school here!
EDEY offers free before- and after-school care, specialized enrichment activities, full-day camps during Winter and Spring Breaks, and a six-week Summer Achievers summer camp program—all designed to boost student engagement and success. These comprehensive programs support working families, help students thrive year-round, and are entirely optional.
Registration opens August 18, and space is limited, so don’t wait! All programs are completely free for students at participating schools. Keep an eye out for registration links and updates from your school or provider. Find out more!
Parks & Recreation After-School Programs
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s after-school programs allow youth to play, learn, and grow. Highlights include:
- Sports, Athletics, and Games
- Environmental Education and Outdoor Activities
- Arts
- Reading and STEM
- Culture and Community Awareness
- Health and Wellness
Programs are available to young people ages 6-12. Typical programs run weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., but hours vary by site. Registered after-school programs will begin on or before Monday, September 9, 2025. Explore your options.
Free Library of Philadelphia
Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP)
LEAP introduces fun, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) projects for youth in grades K-12 at all Free Library locations during the school year at no cost to families! This program also offers in-person homework assistance or homework help online. No registration is required. Drop-ins are welcome.
Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
For teens looking to serve their community and gain a rewarding leadership experience, the Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program also employs After-School Leaders and Teen Leadership Assistants to support youth learning at neighborhood libraries and provide opportunities for them to engage in professional and life-skills workshops.
Students in grades 7 through 12 (ages 14 and up) can also help in other ways at the Free Library. Visit the Library’s website to browse volunteer opportunities, fill out a volunteer application, and email it to volunteer@freelibrary.org.
Intensive Prevention Services
This community-based prevention program is for young people at risk for involvement with the juvenile justice system. It provides meaningful programming through fun activities, experiences, and community engagement, promoting healthy behavior while addressing behaviors that brought them to the program.
For ages 10 – 19, at seven sites across the city. Enroll here.
Community Evening Resource Centers
This partnership with DHS, the Police Department and City Council offers safe spaces for youth ages 10-17 to engage in positive youth development. There are six locations throughout the city. Open daily from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Girls Track/Boys Track
Girls T.R.A.C.K and Boys T.R.A.C.K are year-round, in-person programs for youth in grades 7-12. The program provides cultural and educational enrichment activities to help keep youth on the “TRACK” to success as they prepare for their future. It includes workshops on:
- Personal accountability
- Self-esteem
- Healthy relationships
- Career exploration
- Community service
- Financial literacy
- Conflict resolution
- Anger management
This program will meet weekly at 1515 Market Street (Temple University Center Campus—TUCC) from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Youth ages 12-15 meet on Mondays, while those ages 16-18 meet on Wednesdays.
Contact ceu@phila.gov to enroll now!
Philadelphia Youth Leadership Council
This year-round leadership development program is for students in grades 7-12, focusing on:
- Leadership development
- Public speaking
- Networking
- Project management
The program meets on Thursdays after school from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1515 Market Street (Temple University Center Campus—TUCC).
To join, email ceu@phila.gov.
Teenshop
This prevention program empowers adolescent girls ages 13 to 18, helping them excel in school and realize their full potential. Participants will gain valuable skills and experiences through a dynamic mix of innovative workshops, enriching college tours, meaningful community service, and engaging cultural activities.
This program is held biweekly on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Drexel University’s Main Campus (3141 Chestnut Street).
Achieving Independence Center (AIC)
Transitioning to adulthood can be overwhelming, especially for youth in foster care. The AIC is a safe and communal space for teens and young adults, ages 14–23, who are in foster care or have a history of being in Philadelphia foster care.
Youth are matched with an AIC coach. They provide personalized help for youth, including:
- Employment/career planning
- Housing referrals
- Enroll in college/vocational school
- Complete high school/GED
- Improve computer literacy
- Achieve permanency
- Expand their personal development
