Hazel Dukes Education Initiative

Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Members and NAACP Announce $1 Million to Boost Access to Technology at Queens and Bronx Schools December 16, 2019 The Hazel Dukes Educational Equity Initiative provides laptops and tech support to four schools Queens, NY – Today, New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Council Member I. Daneek Miller, and NAACP New York State Conference President Hazel Dukes announced a $1 million unique learning program that will give students in four public schools access to laptops and state-of-the-art learning programs that boost literacy and math skills. The first-of-its-kind NAACP program is named the Hazel Dukes Education Initiative. The Council designated $1 million in this year’s budget for the NAACP to purchase more than 1300 Dell Technology Chrome notebooks, which will be used in the schools, and together with KneoWorld technology-based learning programs and tech supported platforms that maximize pupil engagement and give educators advanced and powerful tools to help students succeed. These educational solutions will engage all learners and provide students with new ways to master concepts and skills. “We need 21st century resources for our 21st century students and this partnership will make sure that these Queens and Bronx schools will get the technology and support the students need to thrive. The Council proudly supports this program and is grateful for all the work the NAACP does to help shape future leaders,” said Speaker Corey Johnson. “The NAACP New York State Conference is dedicated to eliminating the severe inequities that too often continue to plague our education system. We are committed to increasing resource equity by targeting efforts to assist students most in need. We are particularly thankful Speaker Johnson and the City Council have joined us in our Education Initiative,” said NAACP State President Hazel Dukes. “The funding provided by Speaker Johnson to support this program will allow the NAACP to work directly with the Department of Education and ensure our students are provided the resources they deserve.” “We are committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to technology in the classroom, and we will continue supporting initiatives such as these that bridge the digital education gap,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus. “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. We thank both Speaker Corey Johnson and the NAACP for their partnership, and look forward to continue working with them to support our young minds.” “It is important that we are always looking for opportunities to provide the students in our community with access to the technology they need to further facilitate learning,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “Making sure that our children are learning with current technology is essential to ensuring that they are prepared to compete in the economy of tomorrow. I would like to thank the NAACP for their partnership as this program will be a game changer for local students.” “Investing in our children’s future means ensuring our schools have the necessary resources for students to succeed,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca. “With support from the City Council and the NAACP’s Hazel Dukes Education Initiative program, children in Queens and Bronx schools will receive brand new laptops and educational programing tailored to improving math and reading proficiency. As part of this initiative, I am proud to have secured laptops for students at P.S. 1 in my district. I thank the City Council and the NAACP for their commitment to education, and look forward to the expansion of the program in the near future.” “Technology is an integral part of learning and setting our students up for success in the classroom and beyond. I commend the Speaker, Council and NAACP for their investments in our students’ learning,” said NYC Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. The participating schools are: Catherine & Count Basie Middle School 72, 133-25 Guy R Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY Richard S. Grossley (J.H.S. 8), 108-35 167th St, Jamaica, NY P.S./I.S. 116 William C. Hughley, 107-25 Wren Pl, Jamaica, NY P.S. 1 The Courtlandt School, Bronx, NY ### Press Releases Frequently Asked Questions Press Photos Search for: Search … Recent Press Releases Council Votes to Prevent Fast-Food Workers From Being Fired Without “Just Cause” December 17, 2020 Statement from Speaker Johnson on Council’s Historic Action To Voluntarily Recognize Union of Council Staffers December 17, 2020 Speaker Corey Johnson Unveils Legislation to Create A New Ten-Year Comprehensive Planning Cycle for New York City December 16, 2020 Council Votes to Create Outdoor Arts Program December 10, 2020 Speaker Johnson Announces Dismissal of Lawsuit Challenging Commercial and Residential Protection Laws During COVID-19 Pandemic December 2, 2020 Press Release Archives Press Release Archives Select Month Press Release RSS Feed Visit the Council We're located at New York City Hall (map). Council Members each have an office at 250 Broadway (map), as well as offices in each of their districts. We want to hear from you With your insight, the Council discovers ways to improve the City we all call home. So we're meeting New Yorkers where they are—online and in person. Keep your feedback coming! You can reach us via social media, email, paper mail, or at your district office. For issues specific to a neighborhood, it's best to contact the Council Member representing that community. Have questions, comments or feedback? Email us here.