In White Plains, Gillibrand Highlights Funding Needs At New York School For the Deaf

In White Plains, Gillibrand Highlights Funding Needs At New York School For the Deaf

Sep 5, 2025

Today, on the first day of school for New York School for the Deaf (NYSD) students, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stood with leadership from NYSD to underscore the importance of passing into law the $5 million she secured for the school's new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facility in a Senate bill earlier this summer. This facility will be New York State's first CTE center dedicated to deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, providing essential education and certification programs that will significantly enhance their postgraduation employment opportunities.

"Making sure every New Yorker has access to career development opportunities is critical to ensuring a more equitable and prosperous tomorrow for our state," said Senator Gillibrand. "That's why I am proud to lead the funding request to help ensure this great New York institution has the resources they need to uphold their mission and expand their services. As a long-time advocate of expanding services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, I'm proud to have helped secure this nearly $5 million in the Senate appropriations bill to help NYSD remain one of the world's renowned institutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

"This investment has the potential to transform opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing students, ensuring they have access to high-demand, career-ready skills," said Dr. Joseph Santini, Superintendent of the New York School for the Deaf. "We are grateful to Senator Gillibrand's support and for the visibility this will bring the Fanwood's extraordinary community."

"Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. That's why here in New York, we are proud to support programs and institutions that engage children with disabilities and special needs, to make sure that these incredible young people are given the tools they need to achieve their goals, no matter the obstacles," said New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "The New York School for the Deaf has been providing education and opportunity for deaf New Yorkers for more than 200 years, and this Career and Technical Education facility will bring its programming to new heights. I applaud Sen. Gillibrand for delivering the critical federal funding to make this facility possible."

"The New York School for the Deaf has been a cornerstone of education and opportunity for generations, and this new Career and Technical Education facility will ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing students are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow," said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. "We are grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her leadership, and proud to see Westchester at the forefront of expanding access, equity and career pathways for all students."

"I am thrilled to see the New York School for the Deaf become the State's first CTE center for deaf youth and receive this much-needed capital funding. CTE training is a proven pathway to employment, and these investments will enable us to expand career opportunities for deaf students in our region," said New York State Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky. "Thank you to Senator Gillibrand for her support and advocacy for this vital initiative."

"What a fantastic opportunity for the men and women who will be learning a skilled trade which provides great wages and benefits such as an annuity, Health and Welfare and a pension. What Senator Gillibrand is helping to achieve today is not just a job, but a great career to these students whom may have been previously overlooked," said Thomas Carey, President of the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body. "I look forward to following through and meeting the future tradespeople in this program "

NYSD has partnered with the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body (WPCLB) on this initiative.

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