Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins on Aug. 1 announced a $20,000 state grant for Sister to Sister International, a non-profit that fosters success in higher education for girls of color. Stewart-Cousins procured the funding for the summer Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math Camp, now in its 10th year, as well as for the year-round Academy that provides enrichment activities with certified teachers for girls of color who are significantly under-represented in STEAM careers.
“As a former schoolteacher and a longtime advocate for advancing women’s rights, I understand how important it is to start girls off on the right foot by exposing them to science, technology, engineering and math concepts,” said Stewart-Cousins. “I commend Cheryl Brannan and her Sister to Sister International STEAM Camp for girls of color in the Hudson Valley. Now more than ever, we need to break down barriers to ensure all girls are prepared to pursue careers in critical industries like technology and compete in the global economy.”
Cheryl Brannan, Founder of Sister to Sister International, added: “We, the Board of Directors, parents and students are grateful to Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her remarkable leadership and support since the inception of our STEAM camp 10 years ago. She continues to reinforce the value of education and is a great role model for the girls. The $20,000 state contribution will enable us to reach more girls throughout the Lower Hudson Valley.”
Nia Baptiste, STEAM Program co-president, camp counselor and aspiring architect, who is headed to Howard University, said the most important lesson Stewart-Cousins taught students was the power of voting.
“Many of the girls in the camp are not yet ready to vote, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be introduced to it,” said Baptiste. “It should be something that is grilled into young women, especially women of color. Our vote is powerful and our vote matters.”
