Grants and Strategic Development

Goals and Priorities

1. Expand grant funding opportunities and maximize external resources

Increase the identification, pursuit, and management of competitive grants that align with district priorities and student needs.

Develop a comprehensive grants calendar and funding pipeline
Build partnerships with government agencies, foundations, corporations, and community organizations
Increase the number of high-quality grant submissions and improve grant success rates
Ensure all awarded funds are strategically aligned with district goals and produce measurable outcomes

2. Strengthen strategic planning, program development, and data-informed decision-making

Ensure that grant initiatives support the district's strategic vision and are driven by evidence-based practices.

Collaborate with district departments and school leaders to identify priority areas and funding needs
Use student achievement, attendance, climate, and
operational data to guide program design
Develop clear performance measures and evaluation plans for grant-funded initiatives
Create systems for monitoring impact, sustainability, and continuous improvement

3. Build sustainable partnerships and increase district capacity

Develop long-term collaborations and internal systems that support innovation, equity, and organizationa! growth.

Establish a district-wide grant development culture through training and support
Provide technical assistance to schools and departments seeking funding
Strengthen relationships with higher education institutions, nonprofits, businesses, and community stakeholders
Create sustainability plans to maintain successful programs beyond initial grant funding

Mission

The Office of Grants and Strategic Development will serve as a catalyst for innovation, resource development, and strategic investment by securing funding opportunities, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that resources directly advance student success and district priorities.

Grants

Parent Right to Know - Click here to view letters

Under federal law, parents and guardians have the right to be informed about the qualifications of their child's teachers and paraprofessionals, and to receive timely notice if their child is taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification requirements. The Office of Grants and Strategic Development ensures these notifications reach every family in a language they understand.

Parent Right to Know letters are translated and made available in all languages spoken by families across the district, reflecting Mount Vernon's commitment to equitable access and transparent communication with every household we serve.
ESSA-Funded Programs

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the primary federal law governing K-12 public education, providing states and districts with funding to support academic achievement, language development, educator quality, and student well-being. Mount Vernon City School District receives ESSA funding across several titles, each targeting a specific need within the district.
- Title I, Part A
  
  Title I, Part A provides supplemental federal funding to schools and districts with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. The goal is to ensure all students have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards.
  
  In Mount Vernon, Title I funds support additional instructional staff, intervention programs, instructional materials, and family engagement activities designed to close achievement gaps and accelerate learning for our highest-need students.
- Title II, Part A
  
  Title II, Part A funds efforts to increase student achievement by improving teacher and principal quality. This includes recruiting and retaining effective educators, providing high-quality professional development, and reducing class sizes where needed.
  
  These funds allow the district to invest in ongoing training for teachers and school leaders, ensuring instructional staff have access to current, research-based practices that directly benefit classroom instruction.
- Title III ELL
  
  Title III English Language Learner funding supports the language instruction and academic achievement of students who are still developing English proficiency. It funds additional programming opportunities, instructional materials, and professional development for educators working with multilingual learners.
  
  Given Mount Vernon's richly diverse student population, Title III ELL resources play a critical role in helping students build English proficiency while keeping pace with grade-level academic content.
- Title III Immigrant
  
  A companion stream to Title III ELL, the Immigrant set-aside specifically supports students who are new arrivals to the United States. Funds are used for enhanced instructional opportunities, family engagement activities, and support services tailored to the transition needs of immigrant students and their families.
  
  This funding helps ensure that newly arrived students and their families have the resources and support needed to acclimate to their new school community and thrive academically.
- Title IV, Part A
  
  Title IV, Part A, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment program, provides flexible funding across three areas: well-rounded educational opportunities, safe and healthy students, and effective use of technology.
  
  Mount Vernon uses these funds to expand access to enrichment programming, strengthen school climate and safety initiatives, and support the responsible integration of technology into teaching and learning.
IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law ensuring that all children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. IDEA funding supports special education services, related services, and the individualized education program (IEP) process.

In Mount Vernon, IDEA funds support specialized instructional staff, assistive technology, related services such as speech and occupational therapy, and professional development to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed alongside their peers.
Smart Scholars

Smart Scholars Early College High School is a New York State Education Department initiative that allows students, often from underrepresented backgrounds, to earn up to 60 college credits and an associate degree free of charge while completing their high school diploma.

The program pairs the district with a higher education partner to provide dual-enrollment coursework, academic advising, and support so students can navigate the transition to college-level work with confidence, graduating high school with a head start on a postsecondary credential.
My Brother’s Keeper Fellows

My Brother's Keeper (MBK) is a New York State initiative, inspired by the national MBK movement, that addresses persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color. Funded districts design mentoring, academic support, and community-building programs tailored to local student needs.

Mount Vernon's MBK programming connects participating students with mentors and structured support designed to improve engagement, attendance, and academic outcomes, while building a strong sense of belonging and future possibility.
School Violence Prevention

School Violence Prevention grant funding supports districts in strengthening school safety infrastructure, climate, and prevention programming, helping to reduce incidents of violence and create safer learning environments for students and staff alike.

These resources fund a combination of prevention training, climate initiatives, and safety enhancements, reflecting the district's ongoing commitment to student and staff well-being.
9/11 Day Grant

The 9/11 Day Grant supports service-learning projects tied to the National Day of Service and Remembrance, observed each September 11. The grant encourages students to engage in meaningful community-impact projects that honor the spirit of unity and service that emerged following the September 11th attacks.

Through this funding, Mount Vernon students participate in projects that build civic engagement and community connection while honoring an important date in our nation's history.
UPK

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) is a New York State grant that provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten programming to eligible four-year-olds. Early childhood education has been shown to have lasting effects on school readiness and long-term academic success.

Mount Vernon's UPK program gives district families access to full-day, tuition-free pre-K, helping to build a strong academic and social-emotional foundation before students enter kindergarten.
Perkins

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) provides federal funding to strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, ensuring students graduate with the technical skills, credentials, and academic knowledge needed for both college and career.

Perkins funding supports Mount Vernon's CTE pathways, including equipment, curriculum development, and industry partnerships that give students hands-on experience and exposure to in-demand career fields.
21sct CCLC Partnership Grant

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant funds academic enrichment programming outside of the regular school day, including before-school, after-school, and summer programs, particularly for students attending high-poverty and underperforming schools.

These programs provide Mount Vernon students with additional academic support, enrichment activities, and family engagement opportunities in a safe, supervised setting beyond the traditional school day.

Partnerships

Y-COP

The Youth Community Outreach Program (Y-COP) is a Mount Vernon-based nonprofit founded in 1990 with the goal of building positive relationships between local youth and the community. Today, Y-COP is one of the most established youth development organizations in the area, serving children and teens through after-school programming, summer day camp, sports leagues, mentoring, and college and career preparation.

Y-COP's programs emphasize academic enrichment, recreation, and social-emotional growth in a safe, nurturing environment, welcoming all youth and families regardless of background or circumstance. The district's partnership with Y-COP extends learning and support beyond the school day, giving students access to trusted, community-rooted programming.
Westchester Jewish Community Services

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is one of the county's largest providers of outpatient mental health and social services. WJCS partners with local organizations, including Y-COP, to bring counseling and behavioral health support directly into the settings where children and families already spend their time.

Through this partnership, Mount Vernon students and families gain more accessible pathways to mental health support, helping address the social, emotional, and academic pressures young people face both in and out of school.
Mount Vernon Education Foundation

The Mount Vernon Education Foundation is a community-based nonprofit organization that partners with the school district to expand learning opportunities beyond what district funding alone can provide. The Foundation raises funds through community events and donor support to invest directly in student experiences and educational innovation.

As a collaborative partner to MVCSD, the Foundation helps fund enrichment opportunities, classroom innovation, and student experiences that broaden what's possible for Mount Vernon students, reinforcing a shared community investment in local public education.
Our Lady of Victory

Our Lady of Victory School is a parish-based, multicultural Catholic school in Mount Vernon serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Established in 1962, the school has a long history of serving Mount Vernon families with a rigorous academic curriculum grounded in traditional values.

As a nonpublic school within the district's boundaries, Our Lady of Victory partners with MVCSD on shared services and initiatives available to nonpublic school students, reflecting the district's commitment to supporting all children within the Mount Vernon community.
Friendship for Tots

Friendship For Tots is a licensed early childhood care and preschool provider based in Mount Vernon, offering programming for the community's youngest learners. Early childhood providers like Friendship For Tots play an important role in preparing children for a successful transition into the district's elementary schools.

The partnership between MVCSD and Friendship for Tots helps ensure continuity of care and learning for Mount Vernon's youngest residents, supporting families as their children move from early childhood programming into the district's pre-K and kindergarten classrooms.

Contact Info

Office of Grants and Strategic Development

Lauren McKoy
Executive Director of Strategic Development
lmckoy@mtvernoncsd.org

Hillary Fleming
Budget Analyst
hfleming@mtvernoncsd.org

Cyreeta Collins
Administrative Assistant
ccollins@mtvernoncsd.org