According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as many as 400 students at Great Neck elementary schools are eligible for free or reduced price lunch, an indicator of families living at or near poverty. This represents an average 16% of all students in each school, with some schools having as much as 28% of their student population living at or near poverty.
In 2019, the Rotary Club of Great Neck met with local school officials and social workers and together identified that funds are needed to assist children in the Great Neck community. There are many parents who work full time and cannot afford tuition for daycare or after school/summer enrichment programs. The new Rotary After-School Scholarship Program will go directly towards helping these children in the community. Our club pledged a direct donation of $2,000 as seed money for the scholarship fund. Now we are seeking to increase the reach of the program through fundraising. We need your help in order to ensure that every child gets the opportunities they deserve!