Jacobs Secures $60,000 to Support Frontier Central School District

(Hamburg, NY) – New York State Senator Chris Jacobs (60^th SD) announced that he has secured an allocation of $60,000 in state funds to support the Frontier Central School District in their efforts to initiate STEAM programs in schools throughout the district. 

“I recognize the continually emerging and critical role that science, technology, engineering, arts and math play in developing the 21^st century skills needed for our children to succeed,” said Jacobs.  “This funding will help provide Frontier Central with the tools and space needed to better prepare our children to enter the workforce of the future and become leaders in the new global economy.”

The district’s plan calls for implementing a STEAM academy at Frontier Central High School, and the setting up of STEAM labs for kindergarten through eighth grade classes at Frontier Middle, and the four elementary schools -  Big Tree, Blasdell, Cloverbank and Pinehurst.  The total cost of the initiative approaches $200,000, and when fully implemented will leave the district with significantly improved technology capabilities and more learning conducive environments.

"I want to thank Senator Jacobs for his continued support of our students and the greater Hamburg area,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard Hughes.  “Our challenge as a school district and community is to prepare our Falcons for future careers in emerging technologies.  The skills that our children can and will develop through the application of learning in STEAM is essential to not only their success, but also that of our community and region. This funding will help us move that much closer to being a STEAM community working in partnership with our local leaders and businesses."

Senator Jacobs announced the funding at Big Tree Elementary School where Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Colleen Duggan, Principal Julia Bermingham and Librarian Elizabeth Kick all played instrumental roles in developing the program and advocating for its funding.

“Frontier is extremely motivated to make improvements that will ignite engagement and interest, build confidence and create pathways in STEAM for our students,” Assistant Superintendent Duggan said.   “We are in the process of building STEAM systems of support within our school day, and this funding will help us to carry out these plans.  Thank you Senator Jacobs for helping us prepare our students for a better and brighter future.”