FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 6, 2009
For More Information Contact:
Jane Briggs, Jonathan Burman, or Tom Dunn
at (518) 474-1201
Internet: http://www.nysed.gov
GOVERNOR PATERSON AND STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE
AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT FUNDING
FOR EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
New York State Governor David A. Paterson and the New York State Education Department announced today that 28 school districts are being awarded a total of $6.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to support eligible activities under the federal McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Act.
Governor Paterson said, "Homeless children face many barriers to success. By helping them, we increase their chances for success in education and in life. By increasing their opportunities to become productive citizens, we invest in a stronger future for New York. I thank the Obama Administration and the New York Congressional delegation for ensuring that New York has funding for these important projects."
Recipients may use McKinney-Vento AARA funds to improve the identification of homeless children and youth and to assist them in enrolling, attending and succeeding in school. Some examples of how the funding may be used include:
Based on the numbers of homeless students reported to the Education Department, the New York City Department of Education will receive $4.9 million, with the remaining $1.2 being allocated to districts throughout the state, including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers, Albany, Hempstead, Wyandanch, Kingston, and others. A complete list of districts receiving funds is available at:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/nclb/programs/homeless/
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