Schumer, Clinton Announce Key Senate Panel Approves $1.85 Million For Job Training, Family And School Enrichment Programs

Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the full Senate Appropriations Committee approved $1.85 million in federal funding for the expansion of enrichment programs at STRIVE, the Abyssinian Development Corporation, New School University and the Institute for Student Achievement. The funding will be used to expand job training, family displacement prevention, and school enrichment programs under the FY08 Labor, Heath and Human Services, Education Appropriations Bill.

"This is great news for New York families, workers and students," Schumer said.  "These organizations do good, important work for the community supporting those living in difficult situations or who have fallen on hard times. By protecting those who need protecting, and educating those who seek education, these groups have uplifted the entire cite by improving our schools, teaching our workers, and bringing together our families."

"This is welcome funding for many communities in New York City," said Senator Clinton.  "These enrichment programs provide critical tools and opportunities for hard working students and families.  We must ensure that each one of these programs is provided with the necessary means to continue to help those in need." 

$500,000 in funds will go to the STRIVE Core Program to support the organizations work training students of all ages to enter the workforce. STRIVE's job training program emphasizes skill and attitudes needed to obtain and retain employment.  The training uses roleplaying, interaction, and tasks to simulate workplace demands, helping clients adjust and rapidly secure employment.  STRIVE participants are also provided access to job developers, and the opportunity to participate in career advancement programs once successfully employed.

$150,000 in funds will be used to support and expand the youth and family displacement prevention programs offered as a part of the Abyssinian Development Corporation's Neighborhood Project.  The Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) developed the Abyssinian Neighborhood Project to function as a central service and support provider to the approximate 12,601 people that reside in its target Central Harlem area. The project was developed as a way to address the wide spectrum of its community needs; ranging from housing and employment deficiencies to an increasing sense of despair by youth and young adults in terms of how they view their future; all of which contribute to the disintegration of neighborhoods.

$950,000 in funds will go to New School University's Institute for Urban Education, which is a pilot educational program for lowincome atrisk public school students. Funds will be used to continue the pilot educational program and enhance the curriculum in the New York metropolitan area, where the dropout rate is higher than 50 percent.

Finally, $250,000 will be put toward the Institute for Student Achievement to help high schools develop small learning communities and effective teaching. Coaching, teacher training and support, administrative guidance, and a summer teaching institute are some of the activities ISA provides as a school redesign partner. Columbia University is a partner in developing the methods and analyzing the results at ISA programs.

Today, the FY08 Appropriations Bill for Labor, Health and Human Services and Education passed the Appropriations Committees and will now head to the floor for a full vote before the Senate. The bill will then proceed to the Conference Committee and finally will be sent to the President before becoming law.