Senator Webb Delivers Over $50,000 in State Funding for Local Educational Programming in Cortland County

(CORTLAND, NY) Today, Senator Webb (SD52) held a press conference to announce that she has secured over $50,000 in state funds to support the work of local organizations providing education programs. This funding is part of over $200,000 in operational grants that Senator Webb has secured for education programs and libraries in Senate District 52. 

• $25,000 for the YWCA of Cortland to support program costs, materials, supplies and equipment to support educational programming at their center.
• $12,000 for the Cortland County Community Action Program, Inc. to support educational programming.
• $10,000 for the Cortland Community Group, Inc. to support educational programming.
• $10,000 for libraries across Cortland County

Said Senator Lea Webb, “I am thrilled to deliver over $200,000 in state funds to support local organizations working to educate our youth including over $50,000 to local organizations here in Cortland County. We are fortunate to have so many organizations in the Southern Tier doing important work to educate youth and support families. I am proud that I was able to secure these additional resources for our local organizations so that they can continue to offer critical services to our community. Last year, I fought to fully fund Foundation Aid in the state budget and to ensure that every child could access free school meals. I will continue to fight for additional funding for education in the upcoming legislative session.” 

Said Kelly Tobin, Executive Director of the YWCA Cortland, “The YWCA’s mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. We have four core mission-based programs to include Child Care, Mentoring, Health and Fitness, and Aid to Victims of Violence. This funding is critical to upgrade the technology infrastructure that will support all programs. In addition, the program funding for classroom equipment and supplies for Child Care and Mentoring. We are thankful for Senator Webb’s commitment to our work and support in ensuring the vital programming for the Cortland community.”

Said Kirsten Parker, Deputy Director of the Cortland County Community Action Program, “We are honored to be one of the agencies funded through the operational grants secured by Senator Webb. Our adult education program serves approximately 115 students ages 16-65 at all education levels. Our program covers basic literacy classes as well as High School Equivalency Programs including GED and NEDP using a full-time coordinator, two part-time instructors, and five volunteer instructors. This funding will significantly impact our education program and truly benefit our students.

Said Linda Stock, Executive Director of the Cortland Community Center, “We are deeply appreciative to receive this funding from Senator Webb which will help to make a significant impact on the services we provide. The Cortland Community Center provides a space for many different programs, including our ESL program that services non-English speaking members of our community at no cost. With this funding, we will be able to support and expand the educational programming at our center and service more residents of Cortland County.

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