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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Beth Reisman, Representative of New York Edge
11:11:52
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169 sec
Beth Reisman, representing New York Edge, testified to request increased funding for their after-school and summer programs. She highlighted the organization's growth, impact, and the need for additional resources to maintain quality staff and programming.
- New York Edge is seeking $1,200,000 under the Council's after-school enrichment initiative and $250,000 under the social and emotional courses for students initiative.
- The organization serves 33,000 students in over 100 schools across New York City, offering programs in STEM, social-emotional learning, arts, sports, academics, and college readiness.
- Reisman emphasized that their Council citywide funding has remained at $1,000,000 for 15 years despite tripling in size, and they are not eligible for COLA increases.
Beth Reisman
11:11:52
Hi.
11:11:52
Good evening.
11:11:54
I'm here today to ask that you prioritize New York to exit fiscal year twenty six citywide funding request.
11:12:02
We're seeking $1,200,000 under the council's after school enrichment initiative and $250,000 under the Council's social and emotional courts for students initiative.
11:12:15
Our council citywide funding has remained at $1,000,000 for the past fifteen years, despite the fact that we've tripled in size and have significantly increased the number of students served.
11:12:28
New York Edge is the largest provider of school based after school and summer programming in New York City, serving 33,000 students in over 100 schools throughout the five boroughs.
11:12:39
Our mission is to help bridge the opportunity gap faced by students in underinvested communities.
11:12:46
Core components of our programming include STEM education, social emotional learning and leadership, visual and performing arts, sports health and wellness, academics and college and career readiness and summer programs.
11:13:01
Mosaic by ACP has identified us as the largest after school provider in the nation offering SEL support.
11:13:09
I know we heard so much about that today.
11:13:11
We are also one of the city's largest providers of college access programs.
11:13:16
Council citywide funding has enabled us to enrich and expand our school year and summer programs and has allowed us to develop and implement unique and engaging programs such as our award winning student led podcast Formative, our book publishing program, and our Read Across New York Edge program.
11:13:36
Along with our students and families, we are extremely grateful for the council's thirty three years of support.
11:13:44
Together, we're guiding students so that they grow up happy, healthy, and empowered.
11:13:50
Together, we are creating the next generation of active and productive community members and problem solvers.
11:13:57
We were so proud to hear our student, Trinity Williams, speak about this earlier today.
11:14:03
The time has come, however, where increased funding is vitally needed.
11:14:08
Unlike contracts with DYCD and other agencies, counsel discretionary contracts are not and have never been eligible for COLA increases.
11:14:17
This is making it increasingly difficult for New York Edge to attract and maintain quality staff and to continue to offer the wide array of programs that we're known for.
11:14:28
We are now looking to you to meet the needs of the next generation of young people by supporting our FY twenty six funding request.
11:14:37
Thank you.
11:14:38
Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify this evening.