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A Call to Action to Preserve Equity in Expanded Learning Opportunities

From L->R:
Marleny Polanco, Program Manager at ExpandED Schools;
Theresa Olivieri, Principal of PS 222;
Jasmine Saunders, Site Director at Millennium Development;
Saye Joseph, Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse;
Shawn Jean-Louis, Policy Director at ExpandED Schools;
Stacey Dunn, Supervisor at Millennium Development;
Paul Curiale, Executive Director of Millennium Development

By Shawn Jean-Louis

Recently, Saye Joseph, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse and I visited P.S. 222K in Brooklyn. We toured the school and witnessed the vibrant afterschool programming provided by Millennium Development, our longstanding partner that has been serving the community since 1993. The students played games such as Jeopardy and vibrantly participated in spirited, healthy competition during a math bee. The energy in the building was contagious, making it a memorable and inspiring visit.

We thank Councilmember Narcisse and other Council members who visit programs and pledge their commitment to preserving funding for our City’s young people.

However, the future of programs like these is uncertain given the City’s broad Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG) and the sunsetting of federal dollars. In addition to the over $600 million in cuts to education and youth programs explicitly listed in the November Financial Plan for FY24, numerous other education programs are at risk. Following the onset of the pandemic, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) utilized approximately $1 billion per year in temporary federal COVID-19 relief funds for essential long-term programs that will continue to be necessary. These programs/initiatives include 3-K, preschool special education, clinical mental health services, community schools, and more.

Programs like Millennium Development often rely on supplemental funding acquired via subgrants from ExpandED Schools to fill gaps and support needs such as staffing, increasing student enrollment, and student wellness. Therefore, the NYC Council’s investment in afterschool, through Citywide Discretionary allocations to ExpandED Schools continues to be essential. In FY 24 that investment totaled $5.55M, $4.0 from the Afterschool Enrichment Initiative where DYCD is the distributing agency and $1.55M from the Educational Programs for Students Initiative where NYCPS is the distributing agency.

However, these investments are not enough to replace or mitigate the impact of the loss of funds that is to come. It is critical for our city and state leaders to develop and communicate a comprehensive plan whereby new and/or additional revenue streams can be tapped to maintain the integrity of our city’s educational infrastructure.

Cuts of this magnitude to agencies such as NYCPS and the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) would be disastrous. There are some early signs that the City’s leadership understands that. The PEG to Community Schools ($10M in FY24) was recently reversed and the City is investing local dollars to support the continuation of NYCPS’ side of the Summer Rising model. However, there is more work to do.

Afterschool programs are a vital investment in the academic and social/emotional development of young people. These programs play a crucial role in supporting working families by offering a dependable environment for children while guardians are at work. Cutting funding for these and other programs including community schools, summer enrichment, and early childhood education may force families into challenging decisions.

Jasmine Saunders, the site director at PS 222, emphasized the diverse benefits they provide, including homework help and STEM programs. These offerings are especially valuable for working families who depend on afterschool programs to ensure their children have enriching activities after school hours.

It is time for all of us—those in the education sector, families, human service providers, and schools—to unite. The future of our educational landscape hinges on community collaboration. Reach out to your local City Council member or state representative to emphasize the urgency of this matter. Let’s work together to ensure that the legacy of resilience and progress in New York City Public Schools continues as we strive to establish a City of equitable opportunity.

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Marleny Polanco

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Marleny Polanco has been with ExpandED Schools for over two years, overseeing literacy programs in the Bronx and Manhattan. With more than 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Marleny brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and sweet demeanor, Marleny is deeply committed to supporting educators and fostering student success. Her thoughtful approach ensures that literacy initiatives are implemented with care and precision, creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the schools she serves.

Allison Philippin

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Allison Philippin has been a vibrant and dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years. She oversees literacy programs in schools across Brooklyn, bringing her energetic and bubbly personality to every interaction.

Allison is passionate about cultivating strong relationships with educators and school communities, consistently pushing for greatness in literacy education. Her enthusiasm and commitment inspire those around her to strive for excellence, ensuring students and educators alike have the support they need to thrive.

Noel Morales

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Noel Morales has been an integral part of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years, bringing his expertise and dedication to literacy education. He oversees literacy programs in schools across the Bronx, supporting educators in creating dynamic and impactful learning environments for their students.

Passionate about equity and access in education, Noel is committed to helping schools implement innovative literacy strategies that inspire a love for learning. His collaborative approach ensures that both teachers, literacy educators, and students have the resources and support needed to succeed.

Alex De La Cruz

Senior Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Alex De La Cruz has been a dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over five years, specializing in literacy program support. As a senior team member, Alex oversees literacy initiatives in schools across Brooklyn and Queens, working closely with educators to foster impactful and engaging learning experiences for students.

With a deep commitment to education, Alex focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with schools and empowering literacy educators to achieve their goals. His work reflects a passion for ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive academically and creatively.

Inayah Ansari

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Inayah Ansari is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in youth development. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating impactful programs and content, particularly in the areas of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and goal development. In addition to her expertise in program development, she has also supervised and coached teams, as well as collaborated with community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance their efforts in supporting young people.

Inayah’s deep passion for reading books fuels her dedication to her work, especially in her current role with Lit C.R.E.W. She is committed to helping children unlock the joy of reading, believing it can open up a world of possibilities and learning for young minds. Her mission is to inspire and guide children in discovering the wonderful world of books, fostering a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Tiffany Perry

Program Director of Lit C.R.E.W., Comprehensive Program Support Team

Tiffany Perry brings over 15 years of experience in education and a decade in the nonprofit sector to her role as Director of Lit C.R.E.W. at ExpandED Schools. She oversees programming in more than 15 schools across New York City, championing innovative literacy initiatives that inspire both educators and students.

A passionate advocate for literacy and creativity, Tiffany is dedicated to empowering young learners to unlock their potential through engaging and meaningful educational experiences. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of reading and its ability to connect, inform, and inspire the next generation.