Press Release
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For Immediate Release |
Contact: (202) 225-3965 |
| Crowley Presents $10,000 to Maspeth Townhall for Youth Robotics Program Federal Crimestopper funds granted for local after-school program to help Queens youth learn science and engineering through LEGO Robotics |
| (Queens, N.Y.) – Congressman Crowley presented Maspeth Townhall with $10,000 in Federal Crimestopper funds on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 for their afterschool LEGO robotics program. Maspeth Townhall works with seven local schools to engage Queens youth in afterschool activities promoting science and engineering skills through LEGO Robotics. Congressman Crowley was joined by Assemblywoman Marge Markey, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Maspeth Townhall Board President Eileen Hagan., Maspeth Townhall Executive Director Eileen Reilly, and several students from the LEGO Robotics program. “I am proud to present Maspeth Townhall and their students with $10,000 in Federal funding for the afterschool LEGO Robotics program,” said Congressman Joseph Crowley. “The commitment and dedication demonstrated by organizations like Maspeth Townhall are vital to the success of our community and provide much-needed support to our youth. Thank you to my good friends Assemblywoman Markey and Council Member Crowley for joining me in celebrating Maspeth Townhall’s program and I look forward to cheering on our students later this year at the city-wide LEGO Robotics competition.” Recognizing that youth who are engaged in collaborative community or school-based activities are less likely to engage in negative, anti-social or delinquent behaviors, Maspeth Townhall has expanded their after school activities with hands-on and creative opportunities like the “LEGO Robotics” program for local Queens youth. The $10,000 in Crimestopper funds will enable Maspeth Townhall to partner with seven local schools in Maspeth and the surrounding communities to teach kids basic computer programming and engineering skills. The Federal funds will help to train 14 college staff members, purchase materials and implement a six to eight week program. Goals for the program include: youth collaboration, experience in team-building and leadership, positive mentor and peer experiences. The seven schools participating in this program are: PS 229 – Woodside, PS 12 – Woodside; IS 73 – Maspeth; PS 102 – Elmhurst; St Stan’s Catholic School - Maspeth; St Adalbert – Elmhurst; St Sebastian’s – Woodside. LEGO Robotics is increasingly used by schools to provide interactive science and math opportunities to middle and high school students. The New York City Department of Education this year will host a city-wide LEGO Robotics competition. Congressman Crowley is a member of the exclusive House Committee on Ways and Means. # # #
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