3 Jamaica Public Schools Will Get New Laptops, Learning Programs

JAMAICA, QUEENS — Three Jamaica public schools are getting new laptops and learning programs to help teachers boost students' literacy and math skills as part of a new NAACP program called the Hazel Dukes Education Initiative, city officials announced Monday.

A $1 million grant from the City Council will enable the NAACP to buy more than 1,300 Dell Technology Chrome notebooks and KneoWorld technology-based learning programs for four city schools — three in Jamaica and one in The Bronx.

Named for NAACP New York State Conference President Hazel Dukes, the educational initiative is meant to help eliminate "the severe inequities that too often continue to plague our education system," Dukes said in a statement.

The participating schools are Catherine & Count Basie Middle School 72, Richard S. Grossley (J.H.S. 8) and P.S./I.S. 116 William C. Hughley in Jamaica and P.S. 1 The Courtlandt School in The Bronx.

"This effort represents the Council’s commitment to ensuring that students of color receive access to cutting-edge, software-based learning that prepares them for the job market and beyond," said City Council Member I. Daneek Miller, who co-chairs the Council's Black, Latino and Asian Caucus.

A child's zip code shouldn't determine their future, but for too long, communities of color have faced obstacles getting resources for their students. I'm so proud that the @NYCCouncil and the @NAACP will join forces on this $1M program for new technology in four NYC schools. pic.twitter.com/3tuxm7Eguu
— NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) December 16, 2019

So proud to join @NYCSpeakerCoJo & my colleagues @IDaneekMiller @Salamancajr80 in support of the @HazelNDukes Educational Equity Initiative which will provide laptops & state of the art programs to schools in #Queens and the #Bronx . I thank the @NAACP for their partnership. pic.twitter.com/Fg1V2fwjVv
— Adrienne Adams (@AdrienneEAdams) December 16, 2019