The owner of the New York Mets, Steve Cohen, along with his wife, has pledged $1.3 million to public school teachers in New York City after a report highlighted the heavy reliance on donations for classroom supplies.
According to DonorsChoose spokesperson Juan Brizuela, an article published on August 30 revealed that nearly 3,000 teachers were scrambling to secure funds for their classrooms via DonorsChoose. This prompted the Stephen and Alexandra Cohen Foundation to act swiftly.
Brizuela mentioned to the Post that “Alex Cohen has moved the Cohen Foundation to make immediate donations to educators,” alluding to the important role she plays in their philanthropic efforts.
This substantial contribution will fully fund projects chosen by more than 2,500 New York City teachers who will soon receive much-needed resources such as new books, educational technology, and basic supplies.
Interestingly, the total funds raised for Department of Education teachers through DonorsChoose has hit $3.9 million this year, a sizable amount.
The Cohen Foundation has not commented publicly on this initiative.
This year, the New York City Department of Education plans to spend a record $42,000 per student, the highest of any district nationwide, using a per-pupil equity investment model.
As per the department, how the funds will be utilized will ultimately fall to the school’s principal.
The Teacher’s Choice program offers each teacher a $235 reimbursement for classroom supplies for the 2024-2025 school year, provided they submit receipts. While the reimbursement for this year is still under wraps, many educators express that this amount barely scratches the surface of their overall spending, which often comes out of their own pockets.
Brizuela pointed out that the number of teachers in the city enrolled with DonorsChoose has risen to 4,334. Currently, around 6,500 projects totaling $4.9 million are still pending completion.
One of those teachers, Erica Yonks, an art teacher at Law Advocacy and Community Justice High School on the Upper West Side, has engaged with DonorsChoose for her classroom needs.
“There is literally no other profession where you are expected to provide the basics you need to do your job, let alone provide for your children,” Yonks stated, sharing her struggle to find hygiene products and art supplies for her students.
