Binghamton Schools Receive $2.9 Million Grant

Hundreds of Binghamton City School District students are expected to benefit from afterschool programs to be funded by a state grant.

The district has been awarded $2.9 million through the Empire State Afterschool Program.

According to a news release from the school district, the grant will provide funding over the next five years.

The money will enable the district to offer afterschool programs to more than 400 students in grades 2 through 12.

The programs will be developed through partnerships that will include high school students, the city of Binghamton and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County.

Binghamton school superintendent Dr. Tonia Thompson said students will be able to engage in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts and athletics after regular school hours.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said afterschool programs can play a role in efforts to curb poverty, noting "education directly corresponds with finding and maintaining employment."

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