NYC 3-K applications dip despite Mamdani’s massive push, seat expansion
New York City's 3-K applications have decreased despite Mayor Zohran Mamdani's efforts to promote the program. This year saw a 1.4% drop in applications compared to last year, even with increased outreach and funding. The mayor attributes the decline to a lack of trust among families and previous disinvestment in outreach efforts.
- ▪About 590 fewer students applied to the city’s free 3-K programs this year.
- ▪The Mamdani administration has made universal childcare a key platform of its campaign.
- ▪Only half of all eligible tots applied to the 3-K program in both 2025 and 2026.
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Metro NYC 3-K applications dip despite Mamdani’s massive push, seat expansion By Nicole Rosenthal Published May 20, 2026, 4:32 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google They can’t give it away for free. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration failed to convince more families to apply to the city’s free pre-K and 3-K programs — and even reported a slight dip compared to last year — despite an aggressive months-long social media campaign and advertising blitz, new data shows. About 590 fewer students applied to the city’s free 3-K programs this year, marking a 1.4% dip compared to 2025, while pre-K applications only increased by a measly .3%, or 172 applications, according to a Post review of Department of Education data.
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