Queens, NY – In honor of this year’s National STEM Day, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced that she is allocating $30,000 in state funding for Schechter Queens to build a new STEM lab. With a focus on robotics and science, the lab will ensure Schechter Queens’ continued commitment to delivering immersive educational experiences within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. Some features of the lab will include: iPad devices, charging stations to keep devices powered for uninterrupted use, Vex Go robotics systems, and a 3D printer.

“In this ever-growing age of technological advancement, our students need the tools and exposure to keep pace,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “This state investment for a classroom STEM lab is a guaranteed bright future for any child who dreams of being a scientist or engineer. I am proud to allocate funding for the immersive and interactive educational experiences that will prepare the next generation of leaders.”

“We are incredibly thankful to Assemblywoman Rozic for securing a $30,000 award to greatly enhance our STEM lab,” said Solomon Schechter School of Queen Principal, Dr. Rafi Kalman. “This funding award 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. 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.

“Thanks to the support from Assemblymember Nily Rozic, Solomon Schechter School of Queens will be able to use this funding award to elevate the level of STEM education their students receive, without placing an added burden of cost on their families. This will make a huge difference in the lives of our students and their parents,” said Executive Director of Teach NYS, Sydney Altfield.

Schechter Queens is located on 76th Road and Parsons Boulevard in Fresh Meadows. A community Jewish Day School that teaches students through a dual Judaic and secular studies curriculum rooted in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), the school serves grades Pre-K through 8th. Schechter Queens is part of a network of Day Schools in New York dating back to 1965.

Additional education investments recently announced by Rozic include $80,000 to M.S. 74 Nathaniel Hawthorne for renovations to their gymnasium and two $250,000 grants for P.S. 162 John Golden and P.S. 24 Andrew Jackson for substantial upgrades to their auditoriums.

National STEM Day is celebrated every year on November 8th to encourage kids to explore their interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.