Changes in Municipal Funding Formula Leave Adult Education Programs in Limbo
As the new fiscal year began in July, six organizations that had been providing adult education programs for decades suddenly found themselves without contracts. These organizations, which have been serving the community for years, were left to wonder what the future holds for their programs.
For Tiziana Perkins, a 38-year-old woman who has been pursuing her high school equivalency diploma through the St. Nicks Alliance program in Brooklyn, the news came as a shock. She had been making progress and was set to graduate in August. "I’ll be graduating in August," she said with a smile. "The program has helped me gain confidence; to believe in myself and have a network that has been a long time coming."
Perkins’ journey began in September 2023, and her ultimate goal is to become a phlebotomist and earn a degree in the medical field. "My graduation helps motivate me to push beyond my limits, and knowing I’m capable of achieving my goals is a great feeling."
The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) has been working with community organizations and educational institutions to develop a system of adult literacy programs for New Yorkers over 16 years old, offering a range of classes in literacy, English, math, and other subjects.
However, despite the growing budget for these programs over the years, changes in the funding formula have left many experienced providers without contracts. Al least six organizations that offered these services saw their funding cut off at the beginning of the new fiscal year, forcing some to cancel programs and lay off staff. St. Nicks Alliance, one of the affected organizations, is currently operating without funding.
Larry Rothchild, the Executive Director of Development at St. Nicks, explained that without this funding, the most marginalized members of the community are at risk of not achieving economic stability and obtaining a high school diploma, which is essential for securing a job and building a professional career.
New Funding Formula Creates Uncertainty
The DYCD’s new funding formula, which prioritizes organizations within Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), has been criticized by providers for being too restrictive. "The emphasis on NTAs seems to have defunded high-performing agencies with complete enrollment and waiting lists of the target population, while allowing NTAs to go without any agency awarded a contract," said John Hunt, Dean of the LaGuardia Community College for Pre-College Programs.
The new formula does not take into account the needs of the thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers who have arrived in the city since 2022.
Organizations in Crisis
Several organizations that lost funding have been left with uncertain futures. Sunnyside Community Services in Queens, for example, was forced to lay off four full-time employees and nine instructors. "We had 39 classes in the 2024 fiscal year," said Johan Lopez, Director of Services for Adults and Immigrants. "This year, we’ll be able to offer three classes."
Monica Guzman, Executive Director of Sunnyside, explained that the organization is seeking private donors to recover some of the lost funds and is also waiting to hear about the city’s plans for the additional $10 million allocated by the City Council.
The Center for Immigrant Education and Training at LaGuardia Community College lost its entire funding from the DYCD, resulting in the loss of 145 spots. "Some of those students were expecting to return to campus in the fall to continue advancing in our intermediate-low ESOL levels, so their educational pathways are being interrupted," explained Hunt.
Conclusion
The changes in the municipal funding formula have left a void in the adult education system, leaving thousands of New Yorkers without access to essential programs. While some organizations are seeking alternative sources of funding, the future of these programs remains uncertain.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the adult education programs?
A: The purpose of the adult education programs is to provide literacy and English language skills to New Yorkers over 16 years old, helping them to achieve economic stability, secure employment, and improve their overall quality of life.
Q: What changes were made to the funding formula?
A: The DYCD’s new funding formula prioritizes organizations within Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), which some providers argue is too restrictive and does not take into account the needs of immigrant and asylum seekers.
Q: How many organizations were affected by the changes?
A: At least six organizations that offered adult education programs saw their funding cut off at the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Q: What is the future of these programs?
A: The future of these programs is uncertain, with some organizations seeking alternative sources of funding and others forced to cancel programs and lay off staff.
