The Walentas Family Foundation announced this week that applications are now open for its Neighborhood School Grants, an annual program to support innovative projects in Brooklyn School Districts 13 and 14.
Since its founding in 2013, the Neighborhood School Grants program has distributed $1.25 million in grants to Brooklyn’s public schools to fund programs in the arts, culture, technology, literacy, college prep, and more. Established with the belief that vibrant and successful schools are fundamental parts of communities, the program supports enrichment of students’ learning experiences through creative programming that may not supported by a school’s existing budget.
Foundation officials said that during the 2017-2018 grants program cycle, it will award about $250,000 to Brooklyn’s public schools in grants of up to $25,000 to individual schools. The deadline for applications to submit applications is May 31, 2017. School District 13 encompasses Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant. District 14 covers Williamsburg and Greenpoint.
Grant recipients will be notified in July, and grant funds will be distributed in August for use during the 2017-2018 school year. For more information and to access the grant application, please visit: twotr
The Walentas family, founders of Two Trees Management Company, has long been committed to supporting public education in New York City. The foundation was established to support arts, education and community development through substantial contributions to institutions, programs and individuals on an annual basis. It reflects the Walentas family’s commitment to the stewardship of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, the borough’s waterfront revitalization and initiatives in civic engagement in New York City.
Last year’s Neighborhood Grants Program recipients included, among others:
• Brooklyn Community Arts & Media High School (BCAM) received $20,000 for Project AIYM, a 12-week arts-based program to generate discussion around black male identity and representation.
• PS 20 The Clinton Hill School received $10,000 for an integrated environmental science and visual arts program focusing on both observation of the natural world and individual expression.
• PS 34 Oliver H. Perry received $25,000 for LEGO educational kits to give students an engaging introduction to hands-on STEM learning during specialized school day classes.
• Urban Assembly School of Law & Justice received $25,000 for college readiness programs.
• El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice received $18,000 for Bike the Change You Want to See, which combines physical education, experiential learning and community service.
You can learn more about the Neighborhood School Grantees at: twotr
