Fordham Bedford Community Services provides education programs that serve elementary and high school students in our community.
For elementary school students we offer three afterschool tutoring programs that include monthly library projects to foster reading and exposure to their local libraries.
College Readiness for High Schoolers
The first program in the College Readiness series is the Sophomore Skills Course running from late winter through the spring. This small group course is designed to support students as they prepare for the S.A.T. exam they will take in their Junior year. The class meets weekly and offers students an opportunity to take a pre and post test to monitor their progress. An application is required.
The second program in the College Readiness series is the S.A.T. Preparation Course operates from late fall through spring and is exclusively for students in Junior year. Students who have successfully completed the Sophomore Skills Course are automatically eligible to enroll, new students must submit a completed application in the fall to be considered for the program. All new students will be invited to an interview before final decisions are made. The students participate in weekly sessions and prepare for the exam through 3 full length practice exams. Similar to the Sophomore Skills class, students work in small groups with tutors. Whenever possible, college tours are scheduled for students to attend with program staff.
The final element of the College Readiness series is the College Preparation Program for students in the Senior year. This program works to support students in the college application process. Students who have completed the S.A.T. Preparation Course are automatically eligible to enroll, new students must submit a completed application in the fall to be considered for the program. All new students will be invited to an interview before final decisions are made. This program assists with the college application process with a focus on: Financial Aid, application forms, essay writing, requesting recommendation letters, compiling supplemental documents, Opportunity Programs and other specialized programs. A FAFSA filing event is scheduled in the Fall to assist families in filing for FAFSA and TAP*. Parents that need additional support in filing the CSS Profile can speak to program staff for additional assistance.
*Pending availability, some families from the community that are not enrolled in the College Preparedness Program may be eligible to participate in the one time FAFSA and TAP workshop.
Interested students can contact:
Christine Lopez, clopez@fordham-bedford.org
After School and Tutoring and Recreation
We support elementary school students through after school tutoring and recreational activities. Due to the current pandemic we are working with students remotely. We recognize that learning may look different now and we would like to support younger students in their learning. Families interested in receiving remote tutoring and recreational activities can contact our program staff at:
West Farms Program: Jadie Meprivert jmeprivert@fordham-bedford.org
Refuge House Program: Karla Ortiz kortiz@fordham-bedford.org
Summer Programs
In the summer, FBCS provides a variety of recreation programs designed to engage youth during the summer. Children participate in summer programming, while youth are given an opportunity to work in various programs.
East 196 Street Playstreet
For more than two decades, the Police Athletic League has collaborated with Fordham Bedford Community Services to open the 196th Street Playstreet. Playstreets have been a NYC institution since 1914 and are a unique way of providing summer fun to the children in our community. Basketball, soccer, nok hockey, board games, arts and crafts and sprinklers have brought fun and entertainment to this block for years and many more to come.
*DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, THE EAST 196 STREET PLAYSTREET WILL BE CLOSED SUMMER 2023*
Summer Youth Employment Program
FBCS accepts teens and young adults to work in the summer months through the Summer Youth Employment Program. FBCS typically works with Mosholu Montefiore Community Center to place youth in our programs. Teens interested in applying for work experience during the summer months can apply directly through DYCD.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/jobs-internships/summer-youth-employment-program-syep.page