August 29, 2002 The New York Life Foundation and New Visions for Public Schools have awarded new grants to 12 New York City public schools to support the New York Life Tech Power Program for the second consecutive year. These grants assist New York City public school teachers in designing technology-based projects that take advantage of the Department of Education's multi-million dollar investment in computers and Internet access. The cumulative contributions total $1,077,500 and help New York City public school students and teachers integrate technology into active learning in the classroom through innovative projects, from robotics to student explorations into their community's history.
The New York Life Tech Power program now serves 23 schools throughout the city. Each of the schools chosen receives a two-year grant which pays for classroom-based projects, partnerships with outside organizations and staff development. New Visions staff provide site-specific expertise, team-building and trouble-shooting to help grantees advance their projects.
"By helping New York City public school children keep pace with a rapidly changing world, the New York Life Foundation is demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of young people by giving them the tools for success," said New Visions' president Robert Hughes.
"The New York Life Foundation is proud to support the Tech Power initiative, which broadens New York City public school children's educational opportunities and improves their computer literacy," said Sy Sternberg, chairman, president and chief executive officer of New York Life and chairman of the New York Life Foundation. "By working with New Visions, we are helping the kids in our community obtain the educational tools they need to live brighter lives."
The 12 schools awarded 2002 New York Life Tech Power grants are: PS 188/Island School (District 1, Manhattan), New York City Museum School (District 2, Manhattan), MS 54/Booker T. Washington (District 3, Manhattan), PS 154 (District 7, Bronx), PS 27/MS 286 (District 15, Brooklyn), PS 40 (District 16, Brooklyn), PS 147 (District 27, Queens), PS 176 (District 75, Bronx), PS 753/Brooklyn School for Career Development (District 75, Brooklyn), East Side Community High School (Manhattan High Schools), Humanities Preparatory Academy (Manhattan High Schools), and The Academy of American Studies High School/Bread and Roses Integrated Arts High School (Queens/Manhattan High Schools).
The New York Life Foundation, established in 1979 by New York Life Insurance Company, is the major vehicle through which the company channels contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. Through its Nurturing the Children effort, the Foundation supports organizations, programs and services that target young people, particularly in the areas of mentoring, safe places to learn and grow, and educational enhancement opportunities. Through a company-wide involvement initiative, New York Life encourages volunteer participation by its employees, agents and retirees.
New Visions for Public Schools is the largest organization in New York City dedicated to improving the quality of education that children receive in the city's public schools. It partners with the public and private sectors to create programs and policies that energize teaching and learning and raise the level of student achievement. New Visions has provided technology support and training to nearly 100 schools across the city, and promoted literacy around all types of media in schools by improving library facilities, collaborating with teachers on curriculum projects, and integrating technology into all subject areas.
Contacts:
Lili Brown
New Visions for Public Schools
(212) 645-5110
Lisa Fels
New York Life
(212) 576-7937