48 The Queens Courier • kids & education • august 27, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Smoking outlawed near after-school programs BY THE QUENS COURIER STAF [email protected] @QueensCourier Smoking has no place near school grounds even after class is dismissed, according to one of New York State’s newest laws. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed earlier this month legislation that prohibits anyone from lighting up within 100 feet of schools and other venues that host after-school programs. State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, one of the bill’s sponsors, hailed the legislation as a crucial step toward protecting children from the dangers of second-hand smoke, which has been found to negatively impact a child’s health and development. “Smoking is already banned in restaurants and bars, workplaces, schools and playgrounds, s kids & education so it is only logical that it be banned near after-school programs,” Stavisky said. “This is especially necessary today as we live in a time when many parents work full-time and rely on after-school to provide a safe atmosphere for their children. This law gives them the peace of mind they deserve.” Smoking was banned in all workplaces in New York in 2003 when the Clean Indoor Air Act was passed. Since then, however, there have been no restrictions on smoking near after-school programs and entrances to school buildings where children enter and exit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause respiratory infections and increase cancer risks for children. Senate Bill S.993-A, prohibits smoking within 100 feet of after-school programs, schools and their entrances. The state Senate passed it unanimously prior to the conclusion of its session in June. York College gets big grant from Department of Education BY THE QUENS COURIER STAF [email protected]/@QueensCourier York College was recently provided with two Student Support Services (SSS and SSS-Disabled) grants totaling $615,769 from the U.S. Department of Education. The grants will continue to support the college’s TRIO Student Services — both SSS and York Enrichment Services (YES) programs — for the next five years totaling more than $3,078,845.00. “We are delighted that the TRIO Student Support Services and York Enrichment Services programs at York College have once again received funding from the United States Department of Education,” said Theresa Curry, program director for both of the service programs and the Primary Investigator (PI). “Applying for the grant involved a highly competitive process. As a result, students who are currently in the program and those who may qualify will in the future continue to receive supportive services that cultivate retention, graduation and student development in a positive learning environment. We’re looking forward to coaching the next generation of successful college graduates at York College.” York was one of several institutions of higher learning in the State of New York to receive an award this year. The college received the great news through the Office of Congressman Gregory Meeks. “These grants will assist low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities, providing them with the resources they need to succeed,” said Congressman Meeks. “I applaud the Department of Education for awarding these grants and extend my gratitude to those counselors, tutors, professors and others who work day in and day out to help college students learn and achieve.” York couldn’t agree more. “We at York College are delighted with the outcome of this grant application,” said Dr. Marcia V. Keizs, president of York College. “Our Students Support Services program will use these funds to the tremendous benefit of our students. I extend the college’s sincere thanks to the Department of Education and to Congressman Meeks for his support.” The missions of SSS and the YES program are to help participating students stay in college and advance toward a degree in a reasonable time frame, through an array of services and activities. As a result of these services and activities, SSS students have been able to make measurable improvements, including passing assessment tests, earning better grades, maintaining persistence in college, and fast advancement toward graduation.
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