The New York Public Library Receives $200,000 Grant From The New York Life Foundation For After-School Programming

NEW YORK, NY, September 10, 2014 — The New York Public Library (NYPL) has received a $200,000 grant from the New York Life Foundation to support its after-school programming for middle school students.  The grant will be used to expand the Library’s Enrichment Zones, where trained educators work directly with students in grades one through eight, providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring to help with homework and improve academic performance in select subject areas.

“After-school programming is a vital service for New York students and parents.  The generous support of the New York Life Foundation will help us expand and provide even more students with the critical resources, inspiring spaces, and dedicated teachers they need to overcome obstacles,” said Maggie Jacobs, director of educational programs at NYPL.  “Over the past year, the Library has instituted a number of education programs that address students’ challenges and open new doors of opportunity.  Enrichment Zones, along with other programs at library branches throughout the city, are giving students and their families the services they deserve.”

“The NYPL’s Enrichment Zones help students during their crucial middle school years, which often determine whether or not they stay in school in the future,” said Heather Nesle, president of the New York Life Foundation.  “We are pleased to support the NYPL’s vital academic programming, which reaches students in underserved communities across the city.”

Students in Enrichment Zones have the opportunity to work with education technology that helps increase skills needed in their designated subject areas.  Group enrichment activities and educational field trips are also part of the program.

Enrichment Zones are currently available in five NYPL neighborhood branches: the Seward Park and Inwood libraries in Manhattan, the High Bridge and Mott Haven libraries in the Bronx, and the Port Richmond Library in Staten Island.  There are plans to open five more locations in the next year.

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/support.

About The New York Life Foundation 

Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided $185 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations.  The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement.  The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees, agents, and retirees of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program.  To learn more, please visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org. 

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