The Elmezzi Foundation, based in Queens, is expanding its funding of programs in the western part of the borough.
A gradual increase in its funding for programs in Long Island City and Astoria is now allowing the foundation’s Adult Learning Center to offer new sessions of adult literacy, high school equivalency, and English classes at the Long Island City Branch of the Queens Library for free.
"[Residents] are looking for the skills and the language, it’s an ability that can help them," said Executive Director of the Queens Library Foundation Diana Chapin of the courses funded by the Elmezzi Foundation.
The deepening of investments, specifically in western Queens, is not only allowing the Elmezzi Foundation to continue its support of successful programs and to invest in new initiatives like the Summer Law Institute at the CUNY School of Law.
The program is run by Legal Outreach which uses law to attract junior high school students to academic programs that inspire and motivate them to strive for academic success
"We really try to make sure that our students understand what the process is in becoming a lawyer," said Sanetta Ponton, managing director of academic programs at Legal Outreach.
Legal Outreach, Inc. accepts applications for the Summer Law Institute beginning in January of year each for students enrolled in the eighth grade.
The Summer Law Institute at CUNY School of Law is open to students from Long Island City and Astoria, however, Legal Outreach operates 5 other Institutes throughout the City.
Eighth graders from Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens are encouraged to apply online at www.legaloutreach.org/sli.
Another Elmezzi funded pilot program, now underway, is the Sadie Nash Leadership Project.
Organizers say the program is a chance to strengthen and empower young women who might not otherwise get a chance to meet women they can look up to.
Funding by the Elmezzi Foundation is allowing it to be offered in a neighborhood-based format for the first time.
"What we are doing here with the special support of the Elmezzi Foundation is an opportunity to focus in on a specific community," said Chitra Aiyar, Executive Director of the Sadie Nash Leadership Project.
Opportunities all in line with the Elmezzi foundation's primary mission which is to provide those need with the tools necessary to live independent and productive lives.
Currently the Sadie Nash Leadership Project is recruiting for its ELLA Fellowship program.
It’s a paid fellowship for young women ages 16-22 who want to create their own social justice project for their community.
The application deadline for the fellowship is Friday, August 21, 2015.
Those interested in the fellowship can contact the Sadie Nash Leadership Project at ella@sadienash.org or by calling 212-391-8664.