Cornerstone programming was developed by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to engage youth and youth adults living in NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments in a variety of high-quality, year-round activities and programs. Riis Settlement operates a Cornerstone Community Center at Ravenswood Houses in Astoria, providing a safe place for youth and adult residents ages 5 and up to grow and develop. Ravenswood is also a Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) site, working with NYC’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to offer career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences for youth ages 14-24 during the summer months.
After-school (3-6pm) offerings for elementary and middle school participants include:
- Homework help and tutoring
- Literacy assistance
- STEM education in partnership with the Queens Public Library
- Visual and performing arts lessons
- Civic engagement workshops
- Physical fitness & healthy living workshops
Evening (6-10pm) and Saturday (9am-5pm) offerings for teens and adult participants include:
- Virtual gaming
- Fitness – boxing, weightlifting/exercise, and dance
- Music recording studio
- Life skills workshops
- Culinary arts
Registration
Community members can register online by visiting the DYCD website
