CM Ariola Delivers $375K for Rockaway Collegiate STEM Expansion

On the morning of Tuesday, September 30, middle schoolers were invited to experience a day at Rockaway Collegiate High School (RCHS), a part of Rockaway’s Beach Channel Educational Campus. And with that came a boost for RCHS as Councilwoman Joann Ariola’s office presented $375,000 in funding for the school to expand its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) lab to enhance science education for students on the peninsula.

As part of their All in with Ali event, eighth graders were welcome to visit RCHS and meet the administrators, staff and RCHS students last Tuesday as they toured the school. And Councilman Ariola’s office made the day even more special as Ariola’s Chief of Staff Phyllis Inserillo presented a giant check to the school for their STEM programs.

“I am beyond proud support our schools here in the 32nd Council District, and I know that this investment will help shape young local minds for years to come,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “Rockaway Collegiate has an outstanding record of preparing its students for success, and with this funding, they’ll now have the resources to strengthen their STEM curriculum, provide students with hands-on opportunities in science and technology, and better prepare graduates for college and future careers. Investing in our students is investing in the future of Rockaway, and that is something I will always be committed to.”

“We are so grateful to Councilwoman Ariola for her investment in our schools- specifically Rockaway Collegiate, making a $375,000 investment in our schools’ STEAM innovation lab,” said Dr. Josephine Yeboah Van-Ess, Superintendent of Queens South High Schools. “This investment will not only support STEAM aligned learning, it will help to ensure that our school is able to ensure post-secondary opportunities aligned to STEAM- fostering readiness for the college and careers.”

“The Councilwoman has made it a priority to deliver real, tangible resources to the schools of City Council District 32, and this investment will give Rockaway students access to the kind of labs and equipment that spark innovation and shape futures,” Inserillo said. “We can’t wait to see the incredible projects and achievements that will come from this expansion.”

RCHS is located at 100-00 Beach Channel Drive, as part of the Beach Channel Educational Campus. For more information, see: www.rockawaycollegiate.org

Photos by Dan Guarino.