Bronx, NY • January 22, 2024 – Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School (CACPCS) is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as one of the recipients of the Stronger Connections grant from the New York State Education Department. This competitive grant program, authorized under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, aims to enhance safe, healthy, and supportive learning opportunities and environments in high-need Local Educational Agencies (LEAs).

“Children’s Aid College Prep Charter School is proud to be the recipient of the Stronger Connections grant,” said Drema Brown, Head of School. “We look forward to utilizing this funding to continue to support the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students, and provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all of our scholars.”

The $1,070,500 grant awarded to CACPCS reflects the state’s commitment to creating secure and inclusive educational settings. This funding, distributed over three years, will enable the school to implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that address students’ social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being. The goal is to foster a positive learning environment that supports every student, regardless of their background, and to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence, and hate that impact school communities at individual and systemic levels.

Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. expressed the importance of these grants, stating, “When students feel secure, valued, and respected, they are more likely to actively engage in the learning process.” Commissioner Betty A. Rosa added, “This much-needed funding will be allocated to schools with high poverty rates, ensuring every student in New York State feels safe and supported in the classroom.”

The New York State Education Department prioritized LEAs where at least 40% of students are eligible for free meals and a minimum of 10% of the student population is chronically absent. The review process also prioritized applicants that will implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies that meet students’ social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being, and will increase access to interventions and services.

Note: Funds are subject to approval from the Office of the State Comptroller’s Office.

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Children’s Aid is committed to ensuring that there are no boundaries to the aspirations of young people, no limits to their potential. After nearly 200 years of serving New York City’s children, youth, and their families, we know what it takes to ensure children and youth grow up strong and healthy and ready to thrive in school and life: excellent education and health care, social-emotional support, and strong stable families. Today, we serve nearly 50,000 children, youth, and their families in New York City.