Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP)

News for Kids, Teens, and Families

Apply to the DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery!

We offer afterschool programs for Cambridge children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Young people enjoy a range of activities, explore interests, and build friendships. Open seats are filled through a lottery system. We are currently accepting applications to the DHSP Afterschool Programs Lottery for the 2024-2025 school year.

Families (new and re-enrolling) use the same application to apply to:

Childcare Afterschool Programs (Open to Kindergarten - 5th graders)
Community Schools Programs (Open to Kindergarten - 5th graders)
King Open Extended Day Program (Open to Kindergarten - 5th graders who attend the King Open School)
Cambridge Youth Programs (CYP) Pre-Teen / Middle School programs (Open to 4-8th graders)

The last day to apply is Friday, May 17. Applications received after this date will be automatically added to the Waiting Pool.

Learn More and Apply!

Multilingual Information

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How to Re-Enroll in DHSP Afterschool Programs

If your child is currently enrolled in a Childcare Afterschool, Community Schools, King Open Extended Day, or Cambridge Youth Program for the 2023-2024 school year, they can re-enroll in the same program and program location for the 2024-2025 school year.

For your child to be guaranteed a seat in the same program, you must complete a Lottery application by May 17.

Re-Enroll Here!

Get Help with Your Afterschool Lottery Application

Families apply or re-enroll by filling out an online application. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and submit an application.

View Step-by-Step Instructions (PDF) for completing your DHSP Afterschool Lottery application
Get in-person help from DHSP staff at 51 Inman St., 3rd Floor on Monday, April 29, Monday, May 6, and Monday, May 13 from 4 - 7:30 p.m. (no appointment needed)
If you need an interpreter to contact DHSP for help with your application, please call 617-865-2273. An interpreter will connect you with a City representative.

Summer 2024 Updates and Resources

Apply to MSYEP by Friday, April 26

Last chance to apply to the Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP)! The program places Cambridge teens (ages 14-19) in paid jobs for 6 weeks, July 1 - August 9. Teens will be paid $15 per hour.

If you or your teen applied to the program, continue to check the email you used to submit your application. MSYEP staff will contact applicants to schedule a time to complete hiring paperwork.

MSYEP offers a variety of work site opportunities to teens, including Cambridge Youth Programs' (CYP) summer teen internships: Boys II Men (Moses Youth Center), Blooming Into Womanhood (Moses Youth Center), and Rites of Passage (Russell Youth Center)!

Apply to MSYEP!

Apply to Camp Rainbow by June 3!

Camp Rainbow serves Cambridge residents with disabilities ages 6-22. Camp Rainbow's mission is to enhance the lives of its participants by providing a recreational experience that emphasizes their abilities.

Weekly camp sessions will be offered July 8 - August 16 at the King Open School / Cambridge Street Upper School Complex, 850 Cambridge St.

Apply to Camp Rainbow!

K-8 Summer Resource Guide

Check out the Agenda for Children's Summer Resource Guide! The guide gives an overview of summer programs in and around Cambridge for Kindergarten - 8th graders.

The Agenda for Children has also created slideshows with grade-specific summer opportunities for elementary school children and middle school children.

View Guide and Slideshows

Attend our Hiring Event on May 2nd!

DHSP Hiring Event

Thursday, May 2

City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Fl.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We're hiring for a variety of part-time and full-time positions that work with children and teens! Stop by our event to learn about open positions, meet staff, and ask questions! No registration needed.

The Hive is Buzzing this Spring!

Have you ever wanted to try laser cutting or 3D Print your own ideas? Would you like to record your own podcast or make great family videos? The Hive at the Cambridge Public Library has these tools and more!

The Hive’s materials are always free; you just need to bring curiosity and your MinuteMan Library Card to get started. Stop by The Hive any time (view hours ) or take a free workshop to start your next creative STEAM project!

Learn More

More Resources for Families

Looking for more activities and resources in Cambridge? Use Find It Cambridge to search for childcare, afterschool programs, housing resources, free events, and more!

Need help searching? Call or text 617-686-2998 or email Andrew Liedtka at aliedtka@cambridgema.gov.

DHSP's Center for Families (CFF) offers programming and supports for Cambridge families with children ages birth to 8 years old. Programs include parenting workshops, parent support programs, infant supports, Cambridge Dads (programs specifically for fathers and male caregivers), Baby University, playgroups, parent-child activities, family fun events, and more! CFF's monthly newsletter provides program and event updates. To subscribe, email: CenterForFamilies@cambridgema.gov

The Cambridge Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time (AFCOST) maintains resource guides with out-of-school time opportunities for Cambridge children and youth from providers across the city. View resource guides.

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Our services and programs support newborns to seniors, school-aged children to families experiencing homelessness, non-profit organizations to local employers, and many others in the Cambridge community. Learn more at www.cambridgema.gov/DHSP.

Phone: 617-349-6200 Email: askdhsp@cambridgema.gov

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