Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that they have secured an additional $5.5 million for critical local projects in the Bronx in the FY2024 funding package. This funding will support local initiatives that will help increase public safety by reducing recidivism, provide career and professional development opportunities, and support youth mentorship programs in the Bronx. The senators personally secured funding for these projects as congressionally directed spending requests.
“I’m proud to bring home over $11 million in federal investments to support Bronx residents and communities,” said U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. “These funds for vital local projects will foster workforce development for students at Hostos Community College, expand mental health services at Fountain House’s Bronx Clubhouse, help inform climate change adaption measures with NYBG data, and create new affordable housing options in the Bronx. I won’t stop fighting to deliver the resources needed to support our communities and the organizations that help them flourish.”
“I am thrilled to bring home an additional $5.5 million in federal funding to the Bronx, totaling $11.5 million for FY24, to support local projects. These federal dollars are targeted to help engage youth in the Bronx and increase public safety,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will support Bard College’s incredible initiative to reduce recidivism and Hostos Community College’s student mentorship program. These programs provide essential services like continuing education, career development, and professional skills that will help provide a better future for our kids and young adults.”
A full list of funded projects is below:
$4,500,000 for Bard College’s Prison Initiative to Reduce Recidivism:
Funding will support Bard College’s Bard Prison Initiative project to address public safety and reduce recidivism. The program offers college opportunities to women and men across seven prisons in New York State and enrolls them in innovative preparation for reentry as well as unique transitional support in continuing education, housing, career development and wellness through hubs in New York City and, with this support, the Capitol Region and the Hudson Valley.
$1,000,000 for Student Mentorship and Research Assistant Programs at Hostos Community College:
Funding will help expand two existing on-campus employment programs at Hostos Community College (the Mentor/Mentee Jobs on Campus program and the Hostos Research Center’s faculty-student mentorship program) that pay students and help them learn administrative, professional work and research skills.
Previously announced funding listed below:
$1,500,000 for the Bronx Community Foundation Community Workforce Innovation & Development Center:
Funding will support Phase 1 of a new Community Workforce Innovation & Development Center, which will advance innovation- and talent-focused education and community development, as well as propel job creation and inclusive economic growth for Bronx residents.
$1,000,000 for Fountain House’s Bronx Expansion:
Funding will be used to expand Fountain House’s Bronx Clubhouse, which will increase its capacity to provide its members with mental health services.
$1,000,000 for the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition for Belmont Affordable Housing:
Funding will support the creation of new affordable housing in the Bronx in partnership with the Bronx Community Land Trust in an initiative to ensure affordability in perpetuity and develop community governance over housing.
$1,000,000 for Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Renovations:
Funding will support renovation and roof replacement for the landmark community center.
$500,000 for the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG):
Funding will publicize NYBG data that will aid scientists and city officials in urban planning, including informing climate change adaption measures. This will ensure that urban planning decisions are well informed and sustainable.
$500,000 for the Word of Life Community Wellness Center:
Funding will support Word of Life’s purchase of a new community center building in order to accommodate growing demand. The expanded space will allow Word of Life to increase the scope of its services to the Bronx community, including food assistance, workforce development, and other key health and social programs.
$500,000 for CareerWise New York’s Bronx Apprenticeship Training Center:
Funds will be used to improve and expand CareerWise New York’s front-loaded training and curriculum to help youth apprentices in the Bronx succeed in tech, finance, and business fields.