New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has once again teamed up with Bronx-born rap superstar Cardi B to promote applications for the city’s new 2-K childcare program, part of the broader “Childcare for All” initiative aimed at expanding access to early childhood education.
The program, set to launch in the fall, will initially provide 2,000 seats for eligible families across New York City. Designed to support both children and working parents, the initiative offers free childcare and early education, easing financial pressures while giving young learners a strong developmental foundation.
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Cardi B, a mother of four, emphasized the importance of accessible childcare, particularly for women balancing parenting and career responsibilities. “Sometimes, us women, we can’t really go forward because we don’t have nobody to help us take care of our kids,” she said, underscoring a reality faced by many families in urban communities.
Applications for the 2-K program will open on June 2 and close on June 26, with placement decisions expected in August. City officials are urging families to apply early, noting the limited number of seats and high anticipated demand.
To generate excitement and broaden outreach, Cardi B is also leading a citywide jingle competition, inviting New Yorkers to submit original 15- to 30-second promotional songs encouraging families to apply. Entries must be submitted by April 17, and the winning jingle, selected by a panel that includes the rapper, will be featured across New York radio stations as the program’s official promotional track.
Mayor Mamdani described the initiative as a transformative step for working families. Referencing a popular lyric from Cardi B, he stated, “As Cardi B says: ‘I can get ’em both. I don’t wanna choose.’ With universal childcare, New Yorkers won’t have to.” He added that for years, families have been forced to choose between affordable childcare and remaining in the city, a trade-off the program seeks to eliminate.
The 2-K rollout is being implemented in partnership with Kathy Hochul, reflecting strong state-level backing for expanded childcare access. Officials say this initial phase will serve as a foundation for increased funding, broader capacity, and expanded participation in the years ahead.
The collaboration between Mamdani and Cardi B highlights a growing reliance on cultural influence and community-driven outreach to connect with younger and more diverse audiences. As the city prepares for the program’s launch, leaders remain optimistic that the initiative will strengthen economic mobility, workforce participation, and early childhood development outcomes across New York City.
