The money will go to programs in School…
By Betsy Scheinbart
Some 1,000 Queens students will benefit from six new after-school programs, made possible by a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Rego Park) announced this week.
The money will go to programs in School District 28, which covers the neighborhoods of Briarwood, Jamaica, Forest Hills and Richmond Hill.
School District 28 Superintendent Neil Kreinik applauded the work of both Lowey and U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-St. Albans) in securing the grant.
“This grant will provide programs that will support students who have limited English proficiency and need homework assistance and tutoring in math and science,” Kreinik said.
An additional $213,000 was secured by Lowey, a member of the Education Appropriations congressional subcommittee, and that money will also go toward after-school programs.
“Quality after-school programs help strengthen students’ academic skills in a safe, structured environment,” Lowey said. “I am delighted that this funding will enable Community School District 28 to provide academic, athletic, and art programs to Queens children.”
The $1.4 competitive grant is from the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which provides high-need communities with grants for after-school, weekend, and summer programs.
Both Lowey and Meeks wrote letters to the Department of Education during the application process for the grant.
“Today is a great day the children of New York City,” Meeks said. “Too often New York City children are left behind. Along with the help of my colleagues in Congress, we have just begun to level the playing field so that all children will have access to the same information insuring that success is part of every child’s agenda.”
The grant was awarded in conjunction with the Forest Hills Community House to fund a new after-school program called the Briarwood Community of Learners.
Forest Hills Community House Executive Director O. Lewis Harris said he was delighted to help expand District 28’s after-school programs.
“Through an extensive community assessment process, we have identified the need for free after-school progress for Briarwood students and their families,” Harris said.
“With this significant funding from the 21st Century initiative, we will utilize our expertise in and commitment to quality after-school education and meeting learning standards to provide these services.”
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 138.
