Senator Jose Peralta Allocates Funds for Seven Schools to Participate in Project BOOST

Today, State Senator Jose Peralta announced that seven schools in his district will receive public funds to participate in Project BOOST (Building Options and Opportunities for Students), an educational and extracurricular program targeting low-income 4^th through 12^th grade students in New York City. The initiative provides students with academic and cultural experiences, test preparation, academic guidance and community services opportunities.

Hundreds of students will benefit from Project BOOST through the more than $50,000 state allocation secured by Senator Peralta, which will allow them to take part in life-altering initiatives that can help develop their academic talents. Project Boost began in 2003 with nine schools and 270 students. Last year, more than 100 schools and 15,000 students took part in the program.

The seven schools are: I.S. 227; Lexington School and Center for the Deaf; P.S. 89: The Renaissance Carter School; I.S. 145; P.S. 69 and P.S. 19.  

“Our students are the future of this city and this nation, and this is why it is vital we ensure we provide them with all opportunities we can for them to succeed. Project BOOST offers students life-changing experiences as it allows them to participate in a wide range of initiatives, such as visiting museums, colleges and attending Broadway and off Broadway performances and sporting events,” said Senator Peralta.

“We are so excited to receive funding from Senator Peralta for Project Boost.  With his generous support for our school, our student’s will have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities and events that will help them get into good high schools. This has opened the doors for our students and their parents to partner with us in their education. Senator Peralta is a dear and valued friend of the Louis Armstrong Middle School,” said Helen Ponella, Principal of I.S. 227.

“Project BOOST will most certainly boost our Lexington community in so many different ways.  It will allow our students to gain enrichment in areas where deaf students are so often deprived.  We are so grateful to Senator Peralta for including us in this unexpected and wonderful opportunity.  We look forward to learning more about all the program has to offer,” said Jane Moran, Principal, Lexington School for the Deaf.

“We are very appreciative of the generous Project Boost grant secured for The Renaissance Charter School by Senator Peralta. Project Boost is designed to support students, who come from disadvantaged neighborhoods, in developing their academic talents. Senator Peralta understands the importance of investing in all of our students to close the achievement gap and provide rich opportunities for growth and success. His leadership on critical educational issues is vital to helping our students thrive and become ‘the leaders for tomorrow,’” said Stacey Gauthier, Principal of the Renaissance Charter School.

“The PS 89 Community is appreciative of all of Senator Peralta’s efforts,” said Laura La Sala, P.S. 89 Principal.  

“The PS 19 Community is thrilled to have received the state funds secured by Senator Peralta to participate in Project Boost which will help our students accelerate their academic growth,” said Genie Calibar, P.S. 19 Principal.

More than 140 schools and 20,000 students are participating this year in Project Boost, participating in initiatives such as academic support programs, special skills and emotional support, cultural enrichment and community engagement. According to Project Boost, 90% of students go to their first Broadway show through this program.