Make Back to School Brighter for Local Families
As the summer nights begin to shorten, it’s time to go back to school! The YMCA of Greenwich is proud to launch our first-ever Back to School Fundraising Campaign, supporting four vital programs that ensure every child in our community starts the year feeling confident, cared for, and ready to learn: The After School Enrichment Program, Early Learning Center, Running Start, and Play Every Day.
After School Enrichment Program
Now entering its third year, our After School Enrichment Program provides students in Kindergarten through 5th grade with a safe, engaging environment from 3:00pm – 6:30pm every weekday. Following the Greenwich Public Schools academic calendar, the program also offers flexible enrollment options for 2-day and 3-day schedules.
Students benefit from daily homework help with trained YMCA staff, as well as enrichment activities like STEM, art, yoga, dance, gardening, cooking, and more. Fitness is built in through gym time, sports, tumbling, and weekly free swim on Fridays.
Tuition for after school care can cost up to $700 per week, which is why we offer scholarships to help offset the cost for families in need. Last year, 51% of students in our after school program received financial assistance — and we’re fundraising now to continue that support.
Early Learning Center
Opening this fall, the Early Learning Center was created in response to the community’s call for more affordable, high-quality child care. The program serves children from 6 months through 5 years, divided into toddler/infant and preschool groups.
Operating Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 6:00pm, the center focuses on curiosity, exploration, and school readiness through activities such as circle time, language and literacy, music, fitness, and swimming.
Tuition is approximately $2,500/month for infants/toddlers and $2,100/month for preschoolers, which is why we provide financial assistance to families who qualify. Your support helps us raise critical funds to offer these scholarships and expand access to early education.
Running Start
The Running Start program gives local students a confident start to the school year by providing each child with a $150 gift card to shop for clothing, shoes, and school supplies. This summer, 125 children are participating — a major increase from last year.
The YMCA provides the gift cards, and we rely on donations to fund this meaningful experience. The program runs across five nights in August and includes a pizza party at the Y before volunteers accompany children on their shopping trip to Kohl’s in Port Chester.
“Running Start meant so much to me and my family. When we first participated in Running Start, only my husband was working, and with a family of four, things were tight. Thanks to this program, my son was able to start the school year with beautiful new clothes, and he was so excited and confident because of it. We are so grateful. Thank you!”
— Parent of a child who participated in our Running Start program
Play Every Day
Play Every Day is a new recess support initiative launched during the 2024–2025 school year in partnership with Greenwich Public Schools. Designed for 4th and 5th graders at Hamilton Avenue Elementary, the program is built around three pillars: Inclusivity, Community, and Wellness.
From January to May, YMCA staff help lead inclusive and active recess experiences that promote movement, teamwork, and social connection during the school day. This program is provided to schools at no cost, thanks to donor support.
How To Support
The YMCA of Greenwich is committed to helping every child — regardless of their financial situation — feel supported, prepared, and excited for a school year full of potential.
The Back to School Fundraising Campaign gives our community a chance to help working families afford after school care, early learning, recess support, and back-to-school essentials. Your gift provides more than supplies — it opens the door to opportunity and helps kids thrive all year long.
To donate or learn more, visit: greenwichymca.org/back-to-school