A new scholarship program has been launched to support kindergartners living in the Red Hook Houses, the largest public housing development in Brooklyn. Announced on September 30, 2023, by the Red Hook Initiative (RHI) in partnership with NYC Kids RISE and local philanthropists, the initiative will provide every kindergartener residing in Red Hook Houses and enrolled in a New York City public school with a $1,000 contribution to their NYC Scholarship Account starting in January 2026. This significant investment aims to foster educational equity and create long-term opportunities for children in one of Brooklyn’s most under-resourced communities.
The Red Hook Houses, home to nearly 6,000 residents, face numerous challenges, including a lack of financial resources. Michael Partis, executive director of the Red Hook Initiative, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “This investment is a down payment on the futures of Red Hook’s youngest learners. It sends a clear message: We believe in you and your potential.”
This scholarship is not just about financial assistance; it is designed to lay the groundwork for intergenerational wealth through financial literacy workshops. Many families in Red Hook have found financial education to be an abstract concept, often disconnected from their daily lives. By providing a tangible sum of $1,000 for each child, the initiative aims to give families a stake in their children’s futures and enable them to envision a brighter tomorrow.
Danielle Fludd, a parent of a kindergartener in Red Hook, expressed the profound impact of this investment. “She’s only just starting kindergarten, but knowing that she already has something waiting for her future gives her hope and confidence,” Fludd remarked. For her, this scholarship represents peace of mind. “It means that when the time comes, she’ll have choices and opportunities I never had, and that her community stood behind her from the very beginning.”
The Save for College Program is designed to unite various community stakeholders, including schools, philanthropic organizations, local businesses, and civic groups. Debra-Ellen Glickstein, founding executive director of NYC Kids RISE, highlighted the collaborative effort necessary for the program’s success. “We all have a role to play to make sure our kids are set up for success,” she stated.
As this scholarship initiative unfolds, it promises to transform the educational landscape for children in Red Hook, ensuring that they not only receive financial support but also the skills and resources needed to thrive in the future. The community’s commitment to investing in its youngest members reflects a powerful belief in their potential and the importance of creating equitable opportunities for all.
