Funding Will Enhance Learning and Enrichment Opportunities For New Rochelle Elementary School Students
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (7/9/24) — Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has been awarded a $11.25 million New York State Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports (LEAPS) grant to expand critical after-school programs in New Rochelle. The grant will be distributed to BGCNR in payments of $2.25 million per year through September 2028 to provide innovative programs designed to empower local youth to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives.
The first allocation, expected in fall 2024, will fund programs serving students ages 12 and younger in City of New Rochelle School District (CSDNR) from Columbus Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School, and BGCNR members at the club’s Remington Clubhouse.
“Boys & Girls Club is extremely grateful to be able to provide more youth in our schools and clubhouses with opportunities for academic, emotional/social, career, and community enrichment,” said Becky Mazzanobile, BGCNR CEO. “Now more than ever, there is great demand for quality after-school programming, especially for children in need. This award recognizes the importance of our work in the community, strengthens our ability to offer safe spaces for youth to learn and grow, and expands our strong partnership with the City School District of New Rochelle. We’re proud to join district leaders in creating meaningful initiatives that support positive youth development and offer families an active role in supporting their children’s education.” She continued, “We’d also like to extend a special thanks to our local legislators – New York State Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Shelley Mayer, and Westchester County Executive George Latimer – for supporting our application for this important award and their unwavering commitment to helping BGCNR increase its positive impact.”
BGCNR and CSDNR share a long-established working relationship and joint mission to ensure the success of local students. From partnering on a 21st Century Learning Program funded in 2021 for middle and high school students, to working collaboratively at school sites and in developing other initiatives, this school-community partnership has a strong vision, commitment to equity, effective communication, and processes required to successfully nurture tomorrow’s leaders.
“The City School District of New Rochelle is delighted to offer our students more quality after-school opportunities through our partnership with Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and the LEAPS grant. This funding will support our students in continuing their learning after school in a safe environment that is conducive to academic, social, and emotional growth,” said district Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds. “BGCNR’s Remington Clubhouse and sites at Columbus and Jefferson Elementary Schools will allow students to use after-school time to explore new areas of interest, engage in physical activities, and spend time with friends. In addition to being fun for students, this gives parents peace of mind, knowing that their children are safe and well-cared-for after school and before they get home from work.”
BGCNR anticipates that 900 school students will benefit from the LEAPS award, designed to support effective community-based after-school programs that 1) provide academic support and enrichment opportunities that help students to meet current goals and fuel future learning; 2) prioritize social/emotional wellness and increase access to emotional support services; and 3) expand students’ community and family engagement, as well as programs supporting mentorship, employment, and life skills training.
With a mission to engage, inspire, and empower both youth and their families, BGCNR also plans to allocate some of the LEAPS funding to expand its “Saturday Deep Dive” program for New Rochelle students and parents, which was launched earlier this year in collaboration with the school district. Through this initiative, adults will be able to access workshops and programs focusing on topics such as English as a second language, paths to citizenship, and financial and digital literacy, as their children benefit from various enrichment activities.
New York State’s Office of Family and Child Services (OCFS) is administering the grant funds. OCFS awarded the LEAPS grant through a competitive, peer-reviewed process that supports nonprofit organizations in developing and/or continuing quality after-school programs in partnership with local schools/school districts where at least 50 percent of students are economically disadvantaged.
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About Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming that encompasses academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership, and civics. Today, it serves over 8,000 youth annually at 16 school sites throughout Westchester County, NY, and its Mascaro and Remington Clubhouses. BGCNR offers kids and teens safe places to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring professionals, life-enhancing programs, meaningful character development experiences, and hope and opportunity. To learn more about the club’s mission, programs, and impact, visit bgcnr.org. For a glimpse of its after-school programs, click here to view “Lights on Afterschool,” created by Westchester County Youth Bureau.
About City School District of New Rochelle
With 10,000 students in 10 schools, the City School District of New Rochelle, through an active partnership among community, parents, staff, and students, provides a high-quality and challenging education for every child, in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces rich diversity and drives success. For more information, visit nred.org.
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