Jeffries Launches Second Annual App Challenge
Central Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Mimi Walters (CA-45), co-chairs of this year’s Congressional App Challenge, yesterday announced the launch of the second annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC).
The CAC will run nationwide from November 9, 2015 through January 15, 2016. Winners will be selected by local judging panels, and honored by their Member of Congress. The winning apps will also be featured on a display in the Capitol building.
The Congressional App Challenge was created to foster science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) skills in today’s youth, who will be tomorrow’s workers.
STEM skills play a crucial role in the United States economy, one that will only continue to grow in the coming years. According to some estimates, the US may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018 – a gap that is likely to widen if we don’t begin to educate tomorrow’s workers today. The CAC is designed to encourage students to learn and use those skills.
“The world’s greatest technology firms were born in the United States: Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook, among others. Competitions such as the Congressional App Challenge are exceptionally important because they cultivate the next generation of great American entrepreneurs. We look forward to supporting and encouraging these young innovators,” said Jeffries.
Last year, the App’s inaugural year, there were submissions from over 80 congressional districts. The goal this year is to double that, with a special focus on obtaining participation from demographics traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry.
Greenfield To Celebrate Opening of New Midwood Library Plaza
Midwood City Councilman David G. Greenfield today will cut the ribbon on the new Midwood Library Plaza, 975 East 16th Street at Avenue J.
Thanks to $250,000 in funding secured by Greenfield and allocated by the people of Council District 44 through the participatory budgeting process, residents in the neighborhood will be able to enjoy this terrific public space as well as a new after-hours book drop. The opening of the plaza follows the introduction of Sunday hours at the branch.
The ribbon cutting is slated for 2 p.m. today. The public is invited to attend.
Cumbo Teams Up With City Harvest
Fort Greene City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, in partnership with several Central Brooklyn elected officials and City Harvest will announce the launch of a free Community Partner Mobile Market that will provide 6,000 pounds of fresh produce to more than 200 families in the neighborhoods of Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts-Gardens in Brooklyn.
WHO: Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, Elected Officials, City Harvest, Crown Heights Youth Collective, Inc./Ebbets Field Intergenerational Center Families
WHAT: Press conference to announce new Community Partner Mobile Market in Crown Heights immediately followed by free distribution of fresh produce.
WHEN: 9 a.m., today Nov. 3
WHERE: Ebbets Field Patio, 1700 Bedford Avenue (between Montgomery Street and Sullivan Place)
Cymbrowitz Lauds Cuomo Money For Alzheimer’s
Sheepshead Bay Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Aging Committee, yesterday commended Governor Cuomo’s announcement of $67.5 million in funds to nine nonprofit organizations across New York State to develop programs to help family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
“Tending to the needs of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia is often a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week job that takes its toll on the health and well-being of the caregiver, and without sufficient support family members cannot possibly sustain the level of care that their relative requires,” Cymbrowitz said. “This funding will help organizations that assist caregivers to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population.”
Almost 380,000 New Yorkers are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This number is expected to increase to 460,000 by 2025. More than half of the state’s Alzheimer’s patients live at home, and 75 percent of those patients live with a family member or friend who provides care.
The awards are part of Governor Cuomo’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Initiative, which was announced earlier this year as part of the 2015-16 Executive Budget. The initiative seeks to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens that are placed upon New Yorkers who care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s. It is estimated that there are one million of these informal caregivers in New York State who provide 1.1 billion hours of unpaid care.
The nine organizations will receive $7.5 million over five years to develop programs that support informal caregivers, such as care consultations, educational resources, support groups, and respite services. These services have proven to be successful for reducing caregiver stress and health risks, while also improving the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients.
None of the funds were given to Brooklyn organizations.
Hamilton Launches Mentorship Program
Central Brooklyn Sen. Jesse Hamilton, colleagues, educators, and concerned neighborhood residents will launch the Pipeline Mentorship Program from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, at P.S. 284 Lew Wallace, 213 Osborn Street.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, NYS Assembly Member Latrice Walker, District Leader Geoffrey Davis, and District Leader Anthony Jones will join in the launch.
The Pipeline Mentorship Program aims to promote pathways to success for young people, connecting them with role models, experience, and education opportunities to help them achieve their ambitions.
“Mentorship acts as a bridge between generations. It allows older generations to share their experiences. In turn, mentorship allows participating youth to share their perspectives, their aspirations, and their vision for the future. Altogether, everyone who participates has their horizons expanded,” said Hamilton.
“We will have more than 20 mentors from across our city committed to presenting a monthly program of workshops. We will feature workshops on conflict resolution, leadership development, coding, and more. Pipeline is part of a broader effort to expand opportunities for young people in our community. I know they have the talent to be coders, lawyers, doctors, civic leaders, any number of career paths that they choose to pursue. We have the positive community role models who can share their stories and Pipeline serves to build the pathways to future success for our community’s youth.”
