Expanded Learning Time

NYC community schools provide expanded learning time (ELT) before, during, and after school and during the summer. Many also provide ELT during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. ELT programs include classroom push-ins, individualized academic support, project-based learning, and enrichment activities.

The goals of ELT are to:

  • Provide balanced curricular opportunities and allow time for personalized learning

  • Foster social and emotional competencies and physical well‐being

  • Provide opportunities for youth to explore their interests and creativity in a safe and supportive environment

  • Build skills that support academic achievement and growth

  • Cultivate youth leadership and community involvement

  • Ensure access to high-quality summer learning

OCS & NYC PS Resources

Additional Resources

Field Trip Planning Resources

Field trips have the power to help students make real-world connections to their learning and memories that last a lifetime. Field trips are an important piece of expanded learning time, one of the four core features of community schools.

Field trips that are fully or partially funded from the community school budget need to be pre-approved by the OCS Program Manager. Below are resources for lead CBOs planning a field trip and information on the process to get the necessary pre-approval. Please also refer to the guidance in the OCS fiscal manual that is relevant to your funding source.

Below is a timeline for how far in advance you should request approval, and the goal turnaround time:

Please refer to these resources below to aid your planning: OCS Field Trip Guide, OCS Field Trip Destination Ideas, and OCS Field Trip Pre-Approval Request Form. Click the document icons or the blue resource buttons to access the documents.

Untitled design1

This Field Trip Guide serves as a jumping off point to assist you in planning field trip destinations near you, drafting high-quality lesson plans, and navigating operational logistics. You will also find answers to FAQs.

Untitled design2

This is a collection of high quality field trip destinations sortable by borough, audience, or topic. This list is meant to be a sampling, and by no means exhaustive nor an endorsement of any particular location. CBOs may also contact their OCS Program Manager to suggest trip destinations to be added to this list.

Untitled design3

Download a Word copy of the OCS Field Trip Pre-Approval Request Form, complete it, and email it to your OCS Program Manager.

Through a partnership with Change Impact, a library of self-paced workshops is available to you on the Change Up Learning platform. The platform includes a set of courses designed specifically for NYC Community Schools as well as a broad library of youth development and education topics.

Each community school can set up two accounts on the platform at no cost. Please note only NYC community schools are allowed to use this link, and accounts are available through June 30, 2025.

Activate your account using this link.

Once you register and log-in, you can enroll in courses such as: