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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Danny Lam, Representative from New York Edge
5:58:27
ยท
116 sec
Danny Lam, representing New York Edge, requests prioritization of their FY26 funding request, seeking $1.2 million for after-school enrichment and $250,000 for social-emotional support initiatives. He emphasizes the organization's growth, impact, and the need for increased funding to maintain quality staff and programs.
- New York Edge serves 33,000 students in over 100 schools across 37 council districts
- The organization offers various programs including STEM education, arts, sports, and college readiness
- Council citywide funding has remained at $1 million for 15 years despite tripling in size and increased student service
Danny Lam
5:58:27
Madam chair and members of the committee, I'm here today to ask that you prioritize New York Edge's f I 26 funding request.
5:58:33
We are seeking 1,200,000.0 under the council's after school enrichment initiative and 250,000 under the council's social emotional supports for students initiative.
5:58:41
Our council citywide funding has remained at $1,000,000 for the past fifteen years even though we have tripled in size and have significantly increased the number of students served.
5:58:49
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 and 37 of the 51 council districts.
5:58:58
Our mission is to help bridge the opportunity gap among students and underinvested communities.
5:59:02
Core components of our programming includes STEM education, social emotional learning and leadership, visual and performing arts, sports, health and wellness, academics, and career, and college readiness and summer programs.
5:59:14
We are identified by Mosaic by ACT, the largest after school provider in the nation offering SEL learnings SEL supports.
5:59:21
We are also one of the city's largest providers of college access programs.
5:59:25
Council citywide funding has enabled us to enrich and expand our programs and has allowed us to develop and implement new un unique engagement programs such as our award winning student led podcast formative, our book publishing program, our heart for art program, our partnership with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, and our Read Across New York Edge program.
5:59:44
New York Edge, its students and families are extremely grateful for the council's thirty three years of support.
5:59:48
Together, we are guiding students so they grow up healthy, happy, and empowered.
5:59:51
Together, are creating the next generation of active and productive community members and problem solvers.
5:59:56
Together, we are creating New York City's next generation of doctors, mechanics, chefs, writers, and so much more.
6:00:02
The time has come where increased funding is vitally needed.
6:00:06
Unlike contracts with DRCD and other agencies, counsel discretionary contracts are not eligible for colon increases.
6:00:11
This is making it increasingly difficult for New York Edge to attract maintain quality staff and to continue to offer the wide array of programs we are known for.
6:00:18
We're now looking to you to meet the needs of the next generation of young people by supporting our funding request.
6:00:23
Thank you.