PS 2 After-School Program Saved!!!

Astoria, NY.- Following a hard-fought grassroots effort to save an after-school program at an Astoria elementary school, students, parents and teachers received word that funding for the program was fully restored in time for a happy, restful summer.

The Out-of-School Time (OST) Program, which falls under the Department of Youth and Community Development, was slated to close at the end of the school year at 33 locations throughout the city, including PS 2 in Astoria. This initiative, restored by the Mayor and the City Council, provides academic, recreational and cultural activities for students.

Currently, about 175 students participate in the program, which is operated by the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee (HANAC), and an additional 150 children are on a waiting list. The program runs from 3PM to 6PM during the school year – an important service for families.

Council Member Peter F. Vallone Jr. joined over 100 parents, students and teachers at the school’s steps in April to speak out against the cuts, where many held signs, passed around petitions and chanted, “Save HANAC” and “We love HANAC.”

“This is a great example of community involvement – our students, parents and teachers worked hard to make sure this important program was saved,” Vallone said.