Tarrytown Schools, Family Services of Westchester Earn LEAP Grant

TARRYTOWN, NY — After-school programs in Tarrytown will get a boost from an infusion of state money.

Officials say the funding will allow them to expand and enhance programs already in place.

Family Services of Westchester (FSW) and Tarrytown Schools were just awarded a NYS Learning and Enrichment After-School Program Supports (LEAPS) grant to provide a free, after-school program for students at Tarrytown Middle School.

LEAPS offers free daily after-school programming for students in grades 5-7 (ages 12 and under), in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. The program aims to help 5th graders transition smoothly from Washington Irving Intermediate School to middle school. Transportation from Washington Irving to the middle school is provided.

"We are very excited about this opportunity and what it will mean for our scholars," Tarrytown Schools Superintendent Raymond Sanchez said. "After-school programming is a critical component of our education programming and this partnership will allow us to provide a balanced program for all."

LEAPS will include activities aimed at developing academic skills, strong work habits, critical thinking, communication skills, and healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, healthy snacks will be provided daily.

"We are incredibly proud to offer this opportunity to our students. The LEAPS program will not only support their academic success but also foster essential life skills and emotional well-being," Dahiana Salazar, Program Director, said.

NYS’s Office of Family and Child Services (OCFS) awarded the LEAPS grant through a competitive, peer-reviewed process that supports nonprofit organizations in developing and/or continuing quality after-school programs in partnership with local schools/school districts where at least 50 percent of students are economically disadvantaged.

"This is a great accomplishment for our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our students and their families," Daniel Terranova, Program Coordinator, said.

For more information about the program, contact Terranova at this email address.

About Family Services of Westchester (FSW)

FSW is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a wide range of social and mental health services to families and individuals in Westchester County. FSW’s programs are designed to support and empower the community, with a focus on mental health, youth development, and immigrant services.