P-16 Regional Alliances

New York's Challenge

3rd highest population of children living in severely distressed communities with:

• Children less likely to perform well in school

• Higher teen pregnancy rates

• Lower literacy skills

• Large percentage of poor and minority children as well as children and families with limited English proficiency

Regents Proposal

Create and enhance partnerships in these communities

• Among service providers (education, health, mental health, business, labor, foundations, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) to support coordinated services to children and families.

• Build on Literacy Zones model - continuum of services from birth through adulthood

• Link school districts, college, libraries, museums, community organizations, business and other service providers

• Administered by local councils

• Accountable for results

Request: $15 million to:

• Support 8 existing Literacy Zones

• Create new regional alliances in urban and rural high need communities