Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud on Monday announced a series of NYS Department of Education grants for schools and non-profit organizations serving constituents in her 19th Senatorial District in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn.
Persaud said this funding was secured in the NYS Budget for fiscal year 2019-2020 to help supplement classroom teaching expenses, support after-school programs and connect more youth to STEM/STEAM and the arts.
Among the grantees announced were: P.S. 194 Raoul Wallenberg and P.S. 272 Curtis Estabrook; STEM/STEAM programs offered by Elite Learners, Inc.; Sisters with Purpose and St. Francis College; Arts and cultural education programs offered by No Kids Left Behind, Inc.; BRIC | ARTS | MEDIA, Bklyn, Inc.; and My Extended Family, an afterschool program serving students from single-parent households.
“As we begin a new school year, I commend the educators, administrators, support professionals, students and parents across the 19th Senate District, as well as the community innovators who reach and empower our youth and their families after school, on the weekends and during summer break,” said the Guyanese-born Persaud.
“I am honored to bring funding from Albany to support this well-rounded group of organizations serving every corner of SD19 (District 10),” she added.
Elite Learners’s chief executive officer Camara Jackson lauded Persaud for her leadership.
“We’re grateful to Sen. Persaud for supporting our Mentorship Through Robotics program,” Jackson said. “This new funding will enable our organization to introduce more students to science and technology, which will open the doors to a brighter future for them.”
Joy Mendelsohn, principal at P.S. 194, said Persaud is “a huge supporter of education.
“She values the importance of providing students and teachers with resources in order to help meet the needs of every type of learner,” she said. “PS 194 is extremely fortunate to have Senator Persaud’s support.”
P.S. 272 Principal Dakota Keyes said: “We at P.S. 272 – the Curtis Estabrook School – are so excited about this award, which will enable us to extend and enhance our current youth and community-centered programs.
“This funding will afford our students the opportunity to be exposed to all forms of the arts and STEM-focused experiences that our community might not otherwise have exposure to,” she said. “We are honored to be chosen as a recipient.”
Susie Williams, executive director of “Sisters With Purpose Inc.,” said her organization is “forever grateful for the resources received from Sen. Persaud’s Bullet Aid award.
“Funding will source educational workshops in science, engineering, mathematics and anti-bullying awareness for our youth in East New York and Canarsie,” she said. “These are important skills sets that aid in building their socio-economic statuses through college and beyond.”
