Program will provide millions in grants and significantly improve the security of vulnerable schools throughout the State
ALBANY, NY – June 4th 2018
Teach NYS, a nonpartisan organization advocating for government funding in nonpublic schools, is proud to announce the release of New York’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant funds. Teach NYS helped to create this $25 million competitive grant as part of the 2017 adopted State budget.
The Government Maximization Department of Teach NYS, which helps nonpublic schools access a wide range of government programs, worked tirelessly to field questions and visit schools; pre-qualify member schools on NYS Grants Gateway; write and review the proposals; and file them on the complex E-grants system, resulting in more than $1.5 million awarded 30 Teach NYS member schools alone. Funds may be used for exterior “hardening” of the facility against the threat of attack, physical security enhancement, and/or training.
“We are beyond thrilled that this grants program is being released to the institutions that need it most,” said Teach Advocacy Executive Director Maury Litwack. “All New Yorkers can appreciate the intention behind this bill: the safety and well-being of students in all schools.”
Teach NYS has always fought for security in all schools. Beginning in 2013, Teach NYS helped create the first statewide security program in New York, as part of the SAFE ACT. In 2016, Teach NYS led a coalition in New York City to pass the first nonpublic school security guard program. In 2017, Teach NYS and its coalition partners worked with Governor Cuomo and the Legislature to include this crucial grant program amidst an unsettling uptick in antisemitism and threats across the State and country.
“Our commitment to schools’ security did not stop with the passage of this legislation. It continued after the budget was finalized and throughout the application process and continues today for schools that are looking for ways to seek out government funding,” said Yosef Kanofsky, the Director of Government Programs at Teach NYS. “We stand ready to assist schools with these important programs.”
“We thank Governor Cuomo, Speaker Heastie and Leader Flanagan, and our champions in the state legislature for recognizing the need to secure our schools,” said Jake Adler, Policy Director for Teach NYS. “It is a sad reality of the current world that this funding is so crucial. We applaud the Governor and Legislative leaders as well as the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for helping ensure all kids are safe at school.”
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About Teach NYS: Teach NYS is part of Teach Advocacy Network, a nonpartisan organization advocating for equitable funding in nonpublic schools. Since launching in 2013, Teach NYS has successfully advocated for significant policy breakthroughs to benefit nonpublic schools. Teach Advocacy Network operates in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and California. Teach Advocacy Network is a project of the Orthodox Union. For more information, visit: www.teachadvocacy.org.