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Police Athletic League Offers After School Programs For Manhattan Youngsters

Published 09 February, 2010

Homework help, basketball, dance class, poetry sessions and computer research on the Theme of the Month are all activities that a Manhattan child experiences during a typical week at the Police Athletic League’s (PAL) After School Programs throughout Manhattan. From Fall through June, After School Programs at PAL’s Harlem Center in Central Harlem, PAL’s Armory Center in Washington Heights and PAL’s Duncan Center in Hell’s Kitchen provide a supervised environment for Manhattan children filled with fun, excitement, learning and camaraderie. Mondays through Fridays, from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., PAL Centers are filled with youngsters in first through eighth grades taking part in the multiple opportunities available through the After School Programs.

“Serving over 2,400 New York City children annually, PAL’s After School Programs offer a wide range of activities for young people that are designed to reinforce school lessons, foster creativity, build positive character traits, encourage teamwork and develop leadership skills,” said PAL’s Executive Director Felix A. Urrutia Jr. “We aim to give children a safe and fun place to go in the afternoons, that helps accommodate parents’ child care needs.”

During PAL’s After School Program, children rotate through academic, arts and recreation and wellness programming as part of their weekly routine. After daily homework help, young people expand their academic knowledge through poetry readings, storytelling, word games, spelling bees and research on the center’s Theme of the Month that range from caring for the environment to historical events. Twice a week, children choose to participate in their favorite art programs, including drawing, painting, dance, drama and creative writing, to increase their self-expression and enhance their cultural awareness. The young participants take part in fitness and recreation activities such as basketball, ping pong, and nutrition education on how to choose the right foods. Additionally, children have the chance to participate in a variety of clubs that range from cooking to filmmaking to sign language, depending on their PAL Center during “Club Fridays.”

PAL’s After School Programs have open registration from September to June. The fees for the After School Program vary by center, with the highest cost being $20 for an entire year. For fees and to sign up your child for PAL’s After School Programs in Manhattan, please contact the centers in your area:

PAL’s Harlem Center
441 Manhattan Avenue
New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-665-8699

PAL’s Armory Center
216 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
Phone: 212-927-0306

PAL’s Duncan Center
552 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-265-7933

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Police Athletic League

The Police Athletic League (PAL) is New York City’s largest, nonprofit, independent youth organization. Founded in 1914, PAL serves 70,000 New York City boys and girls each year with recreational, educational, cultural and social programs.PAL is the official youth agency of the New York Police Department.

Media Contacts

Andrea Kotuk, Andrea & Associates. Tel: +1 (212) 353-9585
Felix A. Urrutia Jr., Police Athletic League NYC. Tel: +1 (212) 477-9450