New York City rapper Cardi B has teamed up with New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani to launch a citywide jingle contest aimed at promoting the city’s new free childcare programme for two‑year‑old children.The contest invites residents of the city to create and submit original jingles of 15 or 30 seconds that encourage families to apply for the programme. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Cardi B, with New Yorkers voting on the final winner. The winning jingle will become the official theme for the childcare programme and will be played on local radio.Applications for the childcare programme, known as 2‑K, will open on June 2, 2026 and close on June 26, 2026.
The first offers of places will be released in August. Families will be able to apply for free childcare seats in several school districts across the city.
The jingle contest is part of the city’s efforts to build awareness and momentum for the childcare programme ahead of the application period. Mamdani said the competition is designed to get families engaged and excited about the opportunities the programme will offer.
Cardi B grew up in New York and is a parent herself. She will help judge the submissions along with other community members. Her involvement reflects her support for family and childcare issues.The 2‑K programme is part of a broader plan by the city to provide free, accessible childcare for two‑year‑old children, regardless of family income or immigration status. It will launch this autumn with 2,000 free places and expand over the next four years to offer universal access to families across all boroughs.Officials hope the programme will help ease the financial burden on families struggling with childcare costs and support early childhood development in New York City. Free childcare for this age group is intended to give children a strong start, while also allowing parents to work without worrying about high childcare fees.To enter the jingle contest, New Yorkers can submit their audio clips through the official city website by April 17, 2026.
