CM James Applauds Cornell U & Israel Institute of Tech Science Program; Calls on Admin To Ensure No Financial Assistance

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Contact: Barbara Sherman at (718) 260-9191

Council Member James Applauds Cornell University And Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Applied Science Program Based In New York City
Calls On Administration To Ensure No Student Will Be Denied Due To Financial Hardship

(Brooklyn, New York)— Council Member Letitia James is calling on Mayor Michael Bloomberg to ensure that all students who meet the academic criteria and apply to the schools of applied science at Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology— which will be located on Manhattan’s Roosevelt Island— not be denied admission due to financial hardship.

Recently, Mayor Bloomberg announced this historic partnership: Cornell University President David J. Skorton and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology President Peretz Lavie will build a two-million-square-foot applied science and engineering campus on Roosevelt Island. The City will also provide $100 million in City capital to assist with site infrastructure, construction, and related costs.

“I applaud the Mayor for selecting these two prestigious institutions renowned in the field of science, engineering, technology and research,” said Council Member James. “This academic initiative will increase New York City’s capacity for the applied sciences, and boost the City’s economy. I think it is of equal importance that the Mayor ensures that these private institutions provide scholarships and financial assistance to all students of need, as they would not have the opportunity to develop this program without the City’s generous funding.”

The applied science program was originally proposed to be based in Downtown Brooklyn at a long-abandoned building, of which the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has a long-term lease. Elected officials and stakeholders preferred a City-based institution utilizing the space. Council Member James supported a science program hosted by New York University and the nearby Polytechnic Institute, which have an existing partnership.
###