Photo: NYC Kids Rise
Jan. 13, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Local businesses and community members raised more than $57,000 to help fund future college costs for children at a number of Long Island City public schools.
The funds were raised as part of a campaign launched last month by NYC Kids RISE, a non-profit organization that helps public school students save for college. More than 100 people donated —via a gofundme page that was created in December — and the public nearly doubled the $30,000 goal.
The money will be divided up among nearly 950 students and put into college savings accounts for the children from five area schools — P.S. 76, P.S. 111, P.S. 112, Growing Up Green Charter School, and VOICE Charter School.
The five schools were selected based on the economic need of their student bodies. The funds will go to all kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade students at those schools.
Each student will get about $60 through the fundraiser, which will be put into a college savings account.
The college savings accounts were established for students in School District 30 in western Queens through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program that launched in 2017. Each student received $100 in their account when it was set up. The program is being rolled out across the city.
Some of the larger commitments have been made by TF Cornerstone Foundation, Mathis Pfohl Foundation, Boyce Technologies and Modern Spaces among many others.
While currently available to just western Queens students, NYC Kids RISE hopes to expand the Save for College Program to reach all NYC public school students.
“As a lifelong Long Island City resident, I am thrilled to see this entire community come together to support our kids’ futures,” Queensbridge Houses Tenant Association President April Simpson said.
“By providing real funding for our children’s future… we are uplifting a whole generation of Long Island City children.”
(NYC Kids RISE)
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One Comment
Pfft, that won’t even pay for one liberal arts degree. Come on, people.