For Immediate Release
THE BRONX HIGH SCHOOL OF SCIENCE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW RESEARCH BUILDING
The Stanley Manne Institute™ Will Provide Laboratory and Neighborhood Space for All Bronx Community
Wednesday, July 21, 2021 – Bronx, NY – The Alumni Foundation of the Bronx High School of Science (Bronx Science) announced the beginning of construction of a new science laboratory building on the southeast corner of the campus. Through the generous support of alumni donor, Stanley Manne (’52), the building will also provide open neighborhood space for the whole Bronx community.
The Stanley Manne Institute™ is a joint project between the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation, the Department of Education and the School Construction Authority. The three entities have worked closely together to ensure that this private-public partnership provides transformative educational and community opportunities. The Alumni Foundation has engaged Dattner Architects, a leading firm with experience in schools to design the building, and Consigli Construction to construct the building under the guidance of the School Construction Authority.
The donation from Stanley Manne represents the largest individual gift to The Bronx High School of Science Alumni Foundation ever, and the largest gift to a New York City public school in history. A long time Chicago resident, it was imperative to Mr. Manne to give back to the Bronx where he grew up, and to provide opportunities for students in the borough.
“We are proud to be partnering with our surrounding high schools to provide advance lab space and research programming for our students,” said Sang Kim (’88), president of the foundation. “The building will contain three lab spaces, equipment rooms, and a presentation and gathering space. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for our students and for collaboration with our neighboring schools. We also look forward to welcoming the local community board and other community organizations to use the conference room space to empower the entire community.”
During the ceremony, Mayor Bill de Blasio remarked: “As we fight back from COVID, as we overcome, as we recover, as we rebuild, Bronx Science is one of the places that literally has to lead the way. Stanley said, and I agree with him, build up Bronx Science and you build up the city, right? If Bronx Science is thriving and producing the extraordinary talent, then all of New York City is benefiting, all [of] this country is benefiting, and now a lot more people are going to be great, a lot more kids are going to meet their full potential because of you, Stanley. I want to make this very clear, it's because of you. You are making possible a different and better future, ultimately for thousands of kids.”
“The Stanley Manne Institute™ will bring cutting-edge science facilities to the Bronx and I’m grateful for Mr. Manne’s generosity and the collaboration among the Fund for Public Schools, Bronx Science Alumni Foundation and the Department of Education,” said Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter. “I can’t wait to see students from across the borough busy at work in classrooms, labs, and getting hands-on experience.”
The high school partners include: The High School for American Studies at Lehman College; Dewitt Clinton High School; High School for Teaching and the Professions; Marie Curie School for Medicine; Nursing and the Health Professions; Discovery High School; International School for Liberal Arts and a middle school partner, PS/MS 95.
“My school community and I are honored to be part of such a historical moment,” said partner school principal, Gicel Adon of the International School for Liberal Arts. “Our students will greatly benefit from the lab, and these are the kinds of resources we need to accelerate authentic learning and advance equity.”
Bronx Science is one of eight premiere high schools in New York City. Its alumni represent achievement and leadership in virtually every field of success including a record-breaking eight Nobel Prize Winners (the most from any high school in the world), the first African American neurosurgeon, a former Secretary of Defense, countless authors, entertainers, leaders in science, business, government and more.
“I am delighted to be a part of this creation,” said Senator Jamaal Bailey (’00) (36th SD). “This development is a great example of how public education can impact and unite and entire community. As our city continues its reopening, this science building will be a place for all students of the Bronx to convene, learn and socialize. I am proud to be a Bronx Science alum and to represent the Bronx. I believe that the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation has launched a model of exceptional partnerships – through not only securing the largest donation in New York City history, but also connecting with other schools in their area to help provide opportunities.”
The construction will take approximately 18 months to complete.
Contact: Lupe Todd-Medina
917.202.0116
Lupe@effectivemediastrategies.com