Program History
March 2022: 3rd Expansion
Thanks to Mayor Eric Adams, SNL expands for a third time to bring high quality sports programming and activate safe spaces to more communities in NYC. Today, DYCD proudly hosts 136 SNL locations across the city.
July 2021: DYCD Takes Lead
The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) plays a crucial role in funding a network of community-based organizations and programs aimed at alleviating poverty and providing opportunities for New Yorkers and their communities to thrive. By supporting a diverse array of high-quality youth and community development programs, DYCD has helped the SNL program extend its reach to 100 locations citywide and partnered with over 50 community-based organizations, now offering basketball, soccer, volleyball, dance, tennis, baseball, and flag football.
2021: Program Expansion
In response to the increasing demand for enhanced public safety, the Mayor’s Office allocated $5 million in 2021 to expand the program to over 100 locations across the city. This investment led to the appointment of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to facilitate the program’s expansion.
September 2019: First Citywide Expansion
The Bronx County, Kings County, Queens County, and Richmond County District Attorney’s Offices join Manhattan in launching Saturday Night Light programs, making SNL available citywide.
2011 - 2019: SNL Expands In Manhattan
Manhattan DA Cyrus R Vance Jr. continued to add more programs across Manhattan, expanding from Harlem to Washington Heights and the Lower East Side.
2011: Program Launch
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement recognized a significant need for youth programming during peak hours on Saturday evenings.
To address this issue and provide alternative opportunities for New York City youth, former Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R Vance Jr. committed to establishing the Saturday Night Lights (SNL) initiative. This crime prevention initiative first began through partnerships with various community stakeholders in Harlem and utilizing funds seized from criminal cases. The funds were reinvested back into the community to create the first structured programming hosted by the Police Athletic League at the PAL Harlem Community Center, providing basketball skills development.
