Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has announced the County is conducting a comprehensive assessment and inventory of afterschool opportunities as part of the Youth Opportunity Union (YOU) initiative. The YOU connects young people throughout Dutchess County to safe, supportive places where they can play, learn and grow, through recreational, educational, and wellness programs.   View the flyer.

Modeled after the Poughkeepsie Children’s Cabinet’s effort to map afterschool programs in the City of Poughkeepsie, this countywide assessment will provide a clearer picture of programs available across Dutchess. Surveys have been sent to school superintendents, municipal leaders, and afterschool program providers to help identify current opportunities and highlight where additional support may be needed. Organizations that offer youth programming outside of school — including before- and after-school care, weekend or holiday activities, or summer camps — are encouraged to complete the survey by October 17, 2025, online at www.DutchessNY.gov/after-school-inventory.  

The survey asks providers to share information on availability, curriculum, seasonal offerings, staffing, capacity, age groups served and costs, as well as possible program needs and priorities. Responses will help the County identify gaps and guide future investments in youth activities, including funding opportunities such as the County Executive Serino’s YOU Drop-In Center Grant program.

All youth programs are encouraged to participate. For more information about the afterschool programs inventory, call the County Executive’s Office at (845) 486-2000 or emailCountyExec@dutchessny.gov.