Who we serve
Over our more than 140 year history, we have served more than 1.8 million children. Our programs continue to benefit New York City communities, families and youth.
Communities 
Families 
countries of origin and 21 household languages were represented by our 2018 families
Youth 
of first time participants were away from New York City overnight for the first time without family
How it works
Fresh Air Fund programs are 100% free for NYC families that meet our income guidelines.
Our 2018 Summer Program Participants Gave Us:
98%
of parents surveyed in 2018 would recommend The Fresh Air Fund to family and friends.
Nearly 75% of families reapply after their child’s summer experience. Youth who return for a second summer participate in our programs for an average of four years.
Fresh Air Alumnus, now in her early 20’s (2018 Alumni Survey)The Fresh Air Fund literally opened a door for me. I met so many great people, achieved so many goals and took in so much that I still carry with me until today.
Results that speak for themselves
Stakeholder surveys and program data provide a snapshot of summer 2018 and the 2018-19 school year.
Develop Inner Strength
100%
of summer youth participants navigated their independence, living away from home
89%
of youth reported feeling brave for trying new things during their Fresh Air experience
86%
of youth reported becoming more comfortable meeting new and different people
83%
of parents reported their child’s experience with The Fresh Air Fund made them more confident
Take on Challenges & Learn Life Skills
88%
of campers reported they felt proud of developing skills, from swimming to public speaking
2,500+
books were read by campers, supported by Camp libraries
10,000+
hours of tutoring and mentoring were provided during the school year
35
high school students were certified in First Aid/CPR/AED training at Camp
Build Relationships & Support Networks
83%
of parents reported their child developed a stronger support network of friends and mentors
98%
of Career Awareness high school freshmen reported the program helped them learn to respect the ideas of others
75%
of College Connections 2018 graduates are still in regular contact with their high school mentors
125+
Fresh Air alumni worked at our Camps and NYC office, including 39 CITs
Expand Perspectives & Set Goals
100%
of College Connections 2018 high school graduates were admitted to a 2- or 4-year college
72%
of parents reported that their child has new ideas for the future because of their Fresh Air experience
250+
students attended job-shadowing events hosted by corporate and community partners
14+
states along the East Coast and Southern Canada hosted Friendly Towns youth
Reach & Influence
The Fresh Air Fund is changing the conversation about summer.
With a commitment to program quality, retention, and leadership development, we are realizing the full potential of summer. And we are learning that the effects of participating in our programs can last a lifetime.
Meet our alumniExplore our leadership programs
National Summer Learning AssociationRegular attendance in high quality summer programs is associated with a range of positive academic and social development outcomes, including improved skills in literacy, improved self esteem and leadership skills.