City Invests $2.6M In Uptown Public School's STEM Program

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The mayor and City Council are joining forces to fund the creation of a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education center at a Washington Heights high school, city officials announced Friday.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced the administration will pledge $2.65 million to fund the center at the Gregorio Luperon High School for Science and Mathematics on West 165th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. The announcement was made as the two officials toured the school's robotics lab, which was recently opened in the 2017-2018 school year.

"This robotics lab provides students with the opportunity to build the skills they need to be successful in college and careers in the 21st century," Carranza said in a statement. "I thank the Mayor and Council Member Rodriguez for their commitment to hands-on, engaging, high-quality STEM education for all students. As more students are excited to learn and connect what they’re doing in the classroom to future opportunities, we move closer towards our goal of equity and excellence for all."

The administration's investment will supplement a $2.7 million investment made by the City Council, officials said. Students at Gregorio Luperon will be able to learn advanced concepts behind aviation and robotics at the new center, which will feature an Federal Aviation Administration-approved aviation training simulator.

The school will also offer students a four-year STEM sequence that will feature advanced placement courses in physics, biology, computer science, calculus and advanced robotics.

"To achieve true and lasting equity in our city, we must empower our youth to dream and achieve their goals. The $2.7 million from City Council and $2.65 million from the administration announced today will give the students at Gregorio Luperon High School the foundation they need to excel as professionals in STEM," City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez said. "They will be the leaders of our community, city, country and around the world."

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