Jamaica, NY — York College, CUNY will receive more than $2 million in federal appropriations, secured through the advocacy of Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), as part of the recently passed Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, and Interior-Environment funding package. This major investment underscores a continued commitment to supporting higher education, STEM research, and workforce development in Queens.
The bill tackles affordability issues like rising utility costs, advances clean energy and environmental protections, and invests in public safety grants. It also includes $4.1 million to support important local community projects in New York’s 5th Congressional District. In this package, Rep. Meeks secured $4,101,000 in Community Project Funding to directly support four local projects in New York’s 5th Congressional District, including:
$1,031,000 for the Research Foundation of CUNY at York College, Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Environmental Researchers to Serve Workforce Needs.$1,039,000 for the Research Foundation of CUNY at York College , Empowering Underrepresented Students with Technology-based STEM Education.
Other projects funded are:
$1,000,000 for the Police Athletic League, Crime Prevention Through Youth Development.$1,031,000 for the Research Foundation of CUNY/Queens College CUNY, STEM Improvement Through Authentic Research Project.
“This funding is important for supporting STEM research priorities at institutions in Queens that provide students and faculty with the resources they need to innovate and prepare the next generation of leaders,” Congressman Meeks said in a press release from his office. “It supports crime prevention efforts by promoting youth development and keeping our communities safe. Investments such as these enhance our borough and keep Queens at the forefront of opportunity and innovation.”
York College President Claudia Schrader said, “We are deeply grateful for Congressman Meeks’ steadfast support of York College and our mission. This historic appropriation will empower us to expand our STEM initiatives, open doors for more underrepresented students, and fuel the next wave of innovation in our community. These critical investments will have a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the future workforce of Queens.”
This funding legislation will enact significant investments that:
Reasserts Congress’ power of the purse through mandatory staffing thresholds, notification requirements, and funding tables.Helps address higher energy costs and rising utility bills, increasing investment in electric grid infrastructure by $375 million.Helps keep communities safe by increasing funding for Violence Against Women Act grants by $7 million.Invests in water infrastructure and climate resilience by increasing funding for the Army Corps of Engineers by $1.8 billion ($10.4 billion total).Provides $3.1 billion for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy funding, repudiating the Trump administration’s crusade against clean energy.Feb 10, 2026 1:26 AM