Lowey and Engel Announce $3 Million in Federal Education Funds for Yonkers Schools

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) and Congressman Eliot Engel (D-Bronx/Westchester/Rockland) today announced that Yonkers Public Schools has received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance the learning environment and encourage success for all students.

“Federal support for local school districts is essential if we are to ensure that all students have a chance to be successful,” said Lowey. “I am pleased that the Department of Education has responded to this need in Westchester County.”

Engel said, “Every dollar we put into education is one that pays us back in multiple ways. This is not only an investment in the future of the children of Yonkers, but in the future of our country.”

The Smaller Learning Communities Grant Program is designed to encourage large high schools to undertake research-based strategies in developing and implementing smaller learning environments. Local educational agencies are eligible to apply on behalf of an individual large high school or a group of large high schools. Through the program, Yonkers Schools hopes to eliminate the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students; increase reading and math performance; and increase participation in higher education.

With enthusiasm and appreciation for the efforts of Congresswoman Lowey and Congressman Engel, City of Yonkers Superintendent of Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio acknowledged that the Smaller Learning Communities Grant couldn’t have come at better time. “One of the district’s non-negotiable goals for our high schools is a 5% annual increase in graduation rates through 2014. The extended, focused learning time for students after school, on Saturdays and during the summer, melded with freshman academies and advanced technology infused instruction will support our efforts,” said Mr. Pierorazio.

Yonkers Public Schools has doubled the number of students participating in college-bound Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses over the past four years. More then 1,100 AP and IB exams were administered to students in May 2007. The Class of 2007 earned $14 million in college scholarships. “Yonkers students, with the right support, achieve at high levels,” concluded Pierorazio.