The Aetna Foundation is seeking applications for its Regional Grants Program: Cultivating Healthy Communities Grants, which support local initiatives that promote eating fresh fruits and vegetables and being physically active, and target underserved, low-income and minority communities where healthy food can be difficult to buy and where social and environmental factors may limit people’s ability to be physically active. Grants are made for either $25,000 or $50,000. The foundation accepts applications in two cycles, one with a deadline of June 5, 2014 and the other with a deadline of July 30, 2014.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) has released the Advantage After School Program 2014 Request for Proposals (RFP). Advantage After School Programs, in partnership with local schools, offer a broad range of educational, recreational, cultural, and age-appropriate activities in a safe environment. Programs integrate what happens in the school day with less formal learning experiences, and encourage the active participation of children, youth, and families in the design and delivery of program activities. Proposals are due by May 30, 2014. Inquiries about the RFP must be submitted to AdvantageAfterSchoolRFP2014@ocfs.ny.gov by May 9, 2014; questions and answers will be posted online for the public on May 16, 2014.

In a new video series released by The Wallace Foundation, scholars, researchers, and leaders of afterschool arts programs offer ways in which afterschool arts efforts can attract and retain young people ages 10-13. These experts are also featured in Something to Say, a report on arts engagement based on more than 200 interviews with tweens, their families, and experts in the field. In addition to insights from tweens themselves, the report includes 10 principles of success for arts programs to follow.

The Center for Court Innovation's Youth Justice Board is now accepting applications from young people ages 14-18 who want to make a difference in the lives of New York City teens. The 10-month program allows young people to learn firsthand how important decisions are made at the city level, providing them with tools and resources to influence local policy and practice. Participants also enhance their writing, research, teamwork, and public speaking skills as they perform meaningful work with real-life impact. The 2014-15 Youth Justice Board will look at how to reduce the number of young people in the justice system by examining options police officers have at the moment of arrest. Members receive a stipend for their participation in the program. The priority application deadline is June 20, 2014, and the final deadline is July 11, 2014.

The Mental Health Association of New York City is seeking to fill part-time Peer Specialist/Youth Advocate positions. Youth Advocates are responsible for engaging youth and their families to help them identify their needs and achieve their goals. Young adults who have a high school diploma or GED and personal experience as a consumers in the child or adolescent services system are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should be emailed to careers@mhaofnyc.org.

The Mayor's Youth Leadership Council (MYLC), a Coro program, prepares a diverse group of young people in the 10th and 11th grades to serve as a critical advisory resource to City Hall while developing their own leadership skills. The MYLC offers an important vehicle for youth input into city policymaking, provides young people with leadership training, and creates a body of youth ambassadors to serve as liaisons to their peers and their communities. Most importantly, it involves young people as valued and active participants in city policies that shape their everyday lives. Applications are due by May 30, 2014.

Hunter College High School (HCHS) is a challenging academic community for students in 7th-12th grade. The school supports intellectually advanced learners, offers athletics and the arts, sends students to some of the nation's best colleges, and is tuition-free. On May 10, 2014, HCHS is holding an open house for black and Latino families with children in 2nd-5th grade. Parents can meet current students, parents, teachers, and alumni, while children tour the school and experience fun Hunter classes. Interested families should RSVP by May 5, 2014 by emailing HunterOpenHouse@gmail.com or calling (212) 860-1261.