Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jane DaCosta, Executive Director and Founder of Metropolitan Equestrian
6:17:51
ยท
147 sec
Jane DaCosta, founder of Metropolitan Equestrian (MET), testifies about the organization's work providing equestrian sports and education programs to New York City youth. She highlights the benefits of equestrian activities for urban youth and requests funding to expand their programming.
- MET has served NYC youth since 2010, offering integrated academic support, life skills training, and college preparation alongside equestrian instruction.
- The organization has helped students receive over $2 million in college scholarships.
- DaCosta requests a $25,000 citywide grant to expand programming and provide more opportunities to NYC children regardless of socioeconomic background.
Jane DaCosta
6:17:51
Okay.
6:17:53
My name is Jane DeCosta.
6:17:55
I'm the executive director and founder of Metropolitan Equestrian.
6:17:58
Established in 02/2010 to provide access to equestrian sports and education programs from all across New York City.
6:18:04
I am Brooklyn born and raised.
6:18:06
I'm a proud US Navy disabled veteran, and I've been an equestrian for thirty five years.
6:18:11
My journey began at 12, made possible by the mentorship of a female New York City police officer who guided me while my immigrant Guyanese mother, single mother, worked multiple jobs.
6:18:20
That mentorship shaped my life to my even recent achievements at NYU Stern as a scholarship recipient and a graduate from the MBA or the Executive MBA program.
6:18:30
Those experiences are the foundation of MET.
6:18:33
Since 2010, MET has been a New York City based nonprofit organization servicing New York City children and youth citywide.
6:18:40
For more than a decade, MET serviced maximum 50 New York City youth in Brooklyn, but due to space constraints developed on wait list, MET is now has the opportunity to expand programming in New York City.
6:18:52
Outdoor sports and activities are crucial for city youth providing them with physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits.
6:18:58
Equestrian sports fosters discipline, responsibility, and confidence while exposing students to a world of opportunities beyond the traditional urban recreation.
6:19:06
Is a unique you develop MET is a unique in youth development and is the only nonprofit in equestrian sports that provides integrated academic support, life skill training, and college preparation alongside equestrian instruction.
6:19:20
MET
Nevita Bailey
6:19:21
is
Jane DaCosta
6:19:21
more than just a horseback riding lesson program.
6:19:23
We offer access to resources to pay for all programs.
6:19:26
MET provides access to grants, scholarships, and work study programs.
6:19:30
Currently, majority of the participants taking part in resources helps them subsidize access to the sport.
6:19:36
Throughout the years, Met students have received over $2,000,000 in college scholarships ranging from beginner to intermediate levels from New York City.
6:19:44
These children were never exposed to horses in the same way that I was as well.
6:19:48
We are asking for a very small amount compared to the many that have asked today of 20 five thousand citywide grant.
6:19:55
Met can expand programming, provide recreational experiences, and cultivate inner city talent like myself.
6:20:01
I stand here as a proof of what's possible for young people who are given the opportunities.
6:20:06
We urge New York City Council Committee and city on youth support to support MET in ensuring all New York City children regardless of socioeconomic background to have access to transformative, equestrian, and educational opportunities.