Medgar Evers College Gets $20M Grant In 'Juneteenth Justice Plan'

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights got a major boost this week thanks to a plan aimed at breaking generational wealth gaps and helping those most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The school was given a $20 million grant, the largest allocation in its history, through the city's "Juneteenth Economic Justice Plan," which hopes to confront a racial wealth gap by giving scholarships to Black and low-income students.

"Juneteenth marked the end of slavery, but not the end of systemic, structural racism in America,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during an announcement Thursday. “To begin to repair harms of the past, New York City is investing in the future and building generational wealth.”

Overall, the justice plan will give 2,800 CUNY students scholarships valued at $4,000 per year to cover gaps in financial aid, books, transportation, and advising. At Medgar Evers, 1,000 students will be served, officials said.

The justice plan also includes a Brooklyn Recovery Corps program that will give hundreds of students each year internship, job and career prep opportunities focused on skills needed to help the borough recovery from the pandemic.

“The founders of our College recognized that higher education is the one of the most effective paths for underserved populations and those from challenged socioeconomic backgrounds to gain social mobility and acquire wealth," Dr. Patricia Ramsey, president of Medgar Evers College, said Thursday. "...As part of this funding, our students will be better equipped to intentionally prepare for their futures and realize their dreams while contributing to the economic recovery of Brooklyn and New York City."

Outside of the college level, the plan also brings a citywide "baby bonds" program that would give every public school kindergartner a savings account with $100.