The city’s plan to deliver high-quality after-school programs in every middle school in the 2014–2015 school year goes beyond providing a place for a child to get homework assistance, according to a report released by the mayor’s office on March 3. The plan envisions an extension of the learning day with art, music, literacy and other programs.

After-school programs, now offered in 239 middle schools, would become available in all 512 middle schools.

“Middle schools are finally getting their due, which they deserve,” said Richard Mantell, the UFT vice president for middle schools. “We’re the forgotten sibling, between elementary school and high school.”

Yet the middle-school years are pivotal, Mantell said. “Girls and boys are maturing and making decisions with life-altering consequences. They’re often left to their own devices and need adult guidance to help them navigate what is arguably one of the most challenging periods in their lives.”

Funding for the $190 million program expansion, along with universal full-day pre-K, would come from the mayor’s proposal to raise the income tax of the wealthiest city residents. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos are staunchly opposed to giving New York City the green light to raise taxes, throwing the initiative in jeopardy.

De Blasio said his plan would double the number of students served in grades 6 to 8, from 60,000 currently to 120,000, targeting those who are struggling academically. About $3,000 would be dedicated to each after-school slot, allowing for the use of certified teachers, guest artists and other qualified instructors.

Mantell said the union would urge the administration to hire UFT members whenever possible to staff the after-school programs, which run from 3 to 6 p.m., but he added that teachers who do not wish to work those extra hours would not have to.

Principals will be required to provide in-kind resources, such as curriculum and also possibly teachers’ time by taking advantage of flexible work schedules that overlap with after-school program hours.

“Programs will work with principals to align programming with school-day learning,” the report said.

Beverly McNeely, the UFT chapter leader for the Wad-leigh Secondary School in Manhattan, said an expansion of after-school programs in her school could be a help, “depending on how it’s run.” Wadleigh already has a Beacon after-school program, but she would like her school to have an after-school program that builds academic and social skills for middle school students.

“I think it could work to build skills especially with the Common Core,” she said. “At that age, things are critical.”