Nov. 8, 2023 By Rachel Butler
Queens Assemblymember Nily Rozic announced that she is allocating $30,000 in funding to build a new STEM lab for students at a Fresh Meadows school.
The new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lab will be built at Schechter Queens, located on 76th Road and Parsons Boulevard in Fresh Meadows, which is a community Jewish day school that teaches students through a dual Judaic and secular curriculum and serves students from pre-K to eighth grade.
The lab will focus on robotics and science, with some features including iPad devices, charging stations to keep devices powered for uninterrupted use, Vex Go robotics systems and a 3D printer.
Rozic said that she is proud to allocate the funding, which will help prepare the next generation of leaders with immersive and interactive educational experiences.
“In this ever-growing age of technological advancement, our students need the tools and exposure to keep pace,” Rozic said. “This state investment for a classroom STEM lab is a guaranteed bright future for any child who dreams of being a scientist or engineer.”
Schechter Queens school principal Dr. Rafi Kalman commended Rozic for securing the funding for the STEM lab, saying that it will be invaluable for students.
“This funding will take our award-winning STEM programs to an even higher level, providing our students with the opportunity to learn about STEM in an inspiring, impactful way,” he said. “We are grateful for our partner, Teach NYS, for advocating on our behalf and ensuring we receive the funding our school — and our students — need.”
The announcement comes just in time for National STEM Day, which takes place Nov. 8 and encourages kids across the country to explore their interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Rozic has also recently announced other education investments in her eastern Queens district that include $80,000 to M.S. 74 Nathaniel Hawthorne for renovations to its gymnasium, and two $250,000 grants for P.S. 162 John Golden and P.S. 24 Andrew Jackson for substantial upgrades to their auditoriums.