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Draft — Pending Approval

This press release is a working draft. Final coalition name, media contact, parent and worker quotes, and publication date are pending approval. Nothing here has been issued to media.

Verified families and providers can submit impact privately. Corrections: dycdparentaction@gmail.com.

City Hall · June 2026

On the steps of City Hall

Parents, students, frontline afterschool staff, providers, and elected officials gathered to demand DYCD show the plan before six-year COMPASS / SONYC contracts move forward.

Parents, students, providers, and elected officials gather on the City Hall steps.
Parents, students, providers, and elected officials gather on the City Hall steps.
Council Member Marte and coalition leaders address the crowd.
Council Member Marte and coalition leaders address the crowd.
“Reinstate Manhattan Youth at District 2 schools.”
“Reinstate Manhattan Youth at District 2 schools.”
At the podium: families call on DYCD to show the plan.
At the podium: families call on DYCD to show the plan.
“Don’t cut what kids count on.” Families and staff united.
“Don’t cut what kids count on.” Families and staff united.
Elected officials stand with parents, students, and frontline staff.
Elected officials stand with parents, students, and frontline staff.
Group portrait on the City Hall steps.
Group portrait on the City Hall steps.
City Hall, June 18, 2026.
City Hall, June 18, 2026.
View from the steps: press and supporters in City Hall Park.
View from the steps: press and supporters in City Hall Park.
Homemade signs from Yorkville, Manhattan Youth, and District 2 families.
Homemade signs from Yorkville, Manhattan Youth, and District 2 families.
Read the press release →Take actionRequest hi-res photos

Photos courtesy of the coalition. For press use, contact dycdparentaction@gmail.com.

Wagner Rally

Students rally outside Wagner

Wagner middle-schoolers, families, and staff held a rally to keep Manhattan Youth at their school — homemade signs, chants, and a clear message to DYCD: don’t cut what kids count on.

Students at Wagner chant “Don’t let us lose our passion” and “Save our art.”
Students at Wagner chant “Don’t let us lose our passion” and “Save our art.”
Wagner families and staff: “Bring Manhattan Youth back. Keep MY program.”
Wagner families and staff: “Bring Manhattan Youth back. Keep MY program.”