The NYCHA Journal

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It’s Back-to-School Time: Student OMNY Cards, Backpacks & School Supplies Giveaways

Joshua Olesker

With the new school year about to kick off, here’s some news every parent and child in New York City needs to know: In July, the MTA and NYC Public Schools announced that starting this school year, eligible students will be the first to receive new Student OMNY Cards with expanded benefits. Student OMNY Cards are a major improvement over old Student MetroCards:  

  • Four free rides on the Student OMNI Card every day.
  • Student OMNY Cards can be used at any time of day, all day long (not just certain hours).  
  • Student OMNY Cards can be used every day of the year (not just school days).
  • Student OMNY Cards can be used on weekends and over the summer. 

Eligible students can start using their Student OMNY Cards as soon as they receive them from their schools and will be able to keep that same card for the entire year. Learn more about how Student OMNY Cards are a faster, easier, and better way to ride by clicking here.   

NYCHA is also set to host a series of Free Backpack and School Supplies Giveaway Events – free backpacks, lunch bags, pens, pencils, and other essential school supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:

REES Jobs Plus BSRC Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway at Armstrong Community Center

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

  • Taylor-Wythe Houses (Brooklyn)
    Community Center – 80 Clymer Street            
    Start time: 2pm                              

Saturday, September 7, 2024

  • Boston Secor Houses (Bronx)            
    Community Center – 3540 Bivona Street        
    Start time: 12pm
  • Morris Houses (Bronx)
    1350 Washington Avenue
    Start time: 1pm
  • McKinley Houses (Bronx)
    RA Room- 730 East 163rd Street       
    Start time: 12pm       

Saturday, September 14, 2024

  • Moore Houses (Bronx)
    Basketball Court – Front of 535 Jackson Avenue
    Start time: 12pm          

With three more events coming soon, dates TBD, at:

  • Bronx River Houses (Bronx)
  • Hylan Houses (Brooklyn)
  • Coney Site 8 (Brooklyn)

For more information about the giveaway events mentioned above, please email resident.engagement@nycha.nyc.gov. For more information and to make sure your family is ready for the new school year, please visit the NYC Department of Education’s Back to School Checklist at Back to School Checklist (nyc.gov).