“I like to dance, make a lot of friends and laugh.”
Fatima knows just what makes summer special – time spent with friends preferably in sunny weather.
She and hundreds more Bronx children took part in the citywide opening of Playstreets and Summer Programs at Police Athletic League (PAL) centers this past July 9th.
Read full coverage here
Monica Morales speaks with Carlos Velazquez, CEO of the Police Athletic League—a New York City nonprofit focused on empowering young people to reach their full potential and thrive as active, contributing members of their communities.
City & State NY has named Carlos Velazquez one of their Nonprofit Trailblazers.
Join us in celebrating Carlos and the impact he’s making across NYC!
Read more here.
New York City youth today face many issues and challenges, including violence within their communities. That's why the Police Athletic League continues to create a safe and supportive environment for kids! Executive Director Carlos Velazquez discusses the programs.
Watch the full coverage of PAL’s Business Luncheon featuring Dr. Benjamin Carson on April 23rd.
On April 24, 2024, over 500 PAL youngsters from throughout the city competed in the Police Athletic League’s (PAL) annual Showstoppers event held in The Theater at City Tech in Downtown Brooklyn.
This year’s theme celebrated “50 Years of Hip-Hop” as young people, representing PAL Centers throughout the five boroughs, teamed up to display their talents with choreographed performances, using creative costumes and props.
Watch Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban preside over the Police Commissioner for a Day ceremony.
More than 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from centers around the city competed in a day of fun-filled challenges at the PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions last month.
On Feb. 22, more than 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from PAL Centers throughout the city, including the Webster Center, competed in a fun-filled day of games and laughter at PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions event held at PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica.
On February 22, 2024, over 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from PAL Centers throughout the City, including the Harlem Center.
Competed in a fun-filled day of games and laughter at PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions event held at PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica.
Carlos Velazquez, Executive Director of PAL, joins host, Gary Axelbank and the Senior Policy Analyst for United Neighborhood Houses on BronxTalk to discuss the critical role of afterschool programs, their accessibility, costs, and funding sources.
PLAYSTREETS is the signature summer program of PAL. PAL PLAYSTREETS are open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through August 24th, and are free to all New York City children. PAL is operating 13 PLAYSTREETS throughout the five boroughs this summer, in addition to sports leagues, including Cops & Kids teams, and summer day camps. Activities include double dutch jump rope, nok hockey, hopscotch, arts and crafts, sports, board games, educational programs and more.
HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Imagine a free summer camp in your own backyard.
West 119th Street was partially closed Tuesday for PLAYSTREETS, an annual summer event run by the Police Athletic League (PAL).
The Police Athletic League of New York City has kicked off their summer programs and the executive director of the nonprofit, Carlos Velazquez, joined anchors Rocco Vertuccio and Shannan Ferry Saturday morning on NY1 to discuss how they are keeping city children busy.
On June 9, 2023, at PAL’s New South Bronx Center, winners of the Police Athletic League 2023 Science Fair were announced from a field of hundreds of children in 5th through 8th grades from PAL centers from Harlem to Hollis.
Watch as a determined teen becomes Police Commissioner for a Day, triumphing in an essay contest focused on subway safety.
Over 200 guests gathered at The Pierre to recognize the outstanding Executive Committee, supporters, partners and staff of the Police Athletic League. The event served to honor long-standing PAL family and friends, in addition to cultivating new partnerships.
January 23, 2023
Dear Educators, The youth in your schools and centers are cordially invited to participate in the PAL/NYPD “Police Commissioner for a Day” essay contest. The contest is open to all New York City students in grades 9 through 12 only. Each participant will be required to write an essay on the topic that was personally approved by Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. In responding to this year’s topic, please focus on the procedures which will enhance and improve the current situation that has been outlined in the question below, provided by the Police Commissioner’s Office. The topic this year is:
How would you, as Police Commissioner for a Day, work with the MTA to make New Yorkers feel safe riding the subway?
If one of your students is chosen as the “Police Commissioner for a Day,” they will meet Commissioner Sewell during an award ceremony to be held on April 25, 2023. The winner will also receive a $500.00 prize and a personalized plaque. In addition, the top winner’s school will receive a plaque and a $250.00 donation.
The “Police Commissioner for a Day” award is one of many awards that will be presented to the winning essay writers. The other awards include Deputy Commissioner, Bureau Chief, Patrol Borough Commander, and Precinct Commander. The winners will have an opportunity to spend a day with their top police officials.
The contest begins immediately. All entries must be completed and submitted by March 19, 2023 through the application link. Winners will be notified in the weeks following the deadline.
We have attached a flyer with the contest rules and regulations that will provide you with detailed instructions. Please make sure that your students submit their essays to the link that has been provided on the flyer. We encourage your students to submit their essays and participate in this exciting contest. For 2023 the Award Ceremony will occur on April 25, 2023.
Please contact Meredith Gray at mgray@palnyc.org or 646-357-6606 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Carlos Velasquez
Executive Director
Police Athletic League
Mark T. Stewart
Deputy Commissioner
Community Affairs Bureau
New York City Police Department
The Police Athletic League (PAL) announced in November 2022 that Bart M. Schwartz, who has been actively working with PAL for 13 years, will become its new President effective January 2023. Mr. Schwartz has served on PAL's Board since 2009 and will take the role currently held by David Arena who has been the organization’s President of the Board since 2016. PAL is one of New York City’s largest independent not-for-profit youth development organizations.