Science Center Wins Grant To Create Programs Across L.I.

As part of a huge grant win for all of Long Island, the Rockille Centre-based Center for Science Teaching and Learning will receive more than half a million dollars in state funds to create science-based learning programs across Long Island.

The money was awarded as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to fund economic and community development projects through Regional Economic Development Councils. All together, Long Island is receiving $84.3 million to fund 98 projects.

"Over the past seven years, the Regional Economic Development Councils have successfully brought together the most innovative minds in economic development, fostering collaboration between state and local leaders to invest in New York's regional resources from the ground up," Cuomo said. "These awards are critical to building the foundations for New York's future and ensuring that our economic momentum continues."

The CSTL will receive $540,000 to create learning programs in high-need areas across Long Island. Called Community STEM Centers, they will put a focus on STEM learning — science, technology, engineering and math.

Though the money will go to making improvements across Long Island, not everyone is a fan of the program. Assemblyman Brian Curran, a Republican from Lynbrook, has criticized the governor's plan, saying that it doesn't create the economic growth that he says it does.

"We are thankful for the economic development funding that Nassau County received, but we have seen this before and it hasn’t created jobs or improved the economic climate on Long Island the way the governor has promised it would," Curran said. "He is handing out taxpayer dollars, amid a potential $4 billion state deficit, but our residents still face some of the worst taxes in the nation, and businesses and jobs continue to flee the Island for neighboring states. Nassau County deserves better. New York state deserves better. This program is not the answer."

Photo: Patch