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Freeport Public Schools

Grants & Funded Programs

Grants and Funded Programs

A woman with brown hair and a pearl necklace smiles at the camera against a blue background.

 

Catalina Castillo, Ed.D.

Director of Grants, Funded Programs and Student Achievement

516-867-5227

The Freeport Public Schools District takes great pride in its strong record of securing competitive grant funding that supports and advances our commitment to “Excellence in Education.” Through strategic grant development and stewardship, the District continuously pursues funding opportunities that expand educational experiences, strengthen instructional practices, and create meaningful opportunities for students, staff, and families.

Grant-funded initiatives play a vital role in enhancing academic achievement and student enrichment by

  • supporting innovative programs
  • providing high-quality professional learning for teachers and administrators
  • equipping parents with resources that foster active engagement in their children’s education.

These investments help ensure that all students have access to the tools, experiences, and support systems necessary for success.

Today, Freeport Public Schools administers more than $10.1 million in grant funding, which is used to develop and sustain a wide range of educational programs, student services, and instructional resources that enrich learning across the District.

In addition to grant funding, Freeport Public Schools benefits from partnerships with colleges, community organizations, businesses, and educational leaders. These collaborations provide funding, expertise, and professional learning that strengthen programs and support the District’s strategic goals. Through innovation and responsible resource management, the District remains committed to expanding opportunities for all students.

A teacher in a lab coat leads a lesson for young students sitting on a colorful rug in a classroom.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten Grants

Freeport's Universal Pre-K programs, offered in partnership with St. Joseph’s College, provide early learning opportunities for four-year-olds. Additional funding expands access to full-day prekindergarten programs.

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Early College High School Program Grants

Freeport's early-college programs allow students to earn college credits starting in ninth grade. Through partnerships with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and SUNY Farmingdale State College, students can complete high school requirements while working toward an A.A.S. degree in fields such as engineering technology, computer science, animation, and liberal arts.

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21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program provides students with year-round academic support and enrichment through partnerships with organizations such as the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Adelphi University, Hofstra University Museum of Art, and Long Island Children’s Museum. Students participate in after-school programs, tutoring, family events, and summer learning opportunities that support continuous engagement throughout the year.

Children gather around a large grid on the floor, engaged in a learning activity.

ESSA Grants

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides federal funding to help school districts expand educational opportunities and support student success. In Freeport, ESSA funds support academic intervention services, enrichment programs such as STEM, arts, and field experiences, professional development for educators, and programs that help English Language Learners and immigrant students thrive academically.

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Teacher Resource and Computer Training Center Grant

This grant supports professional learning for educators through mentoring programs, district-wide planning initiatives, and workshops designed to strengthen instructional practice and help teachers meet ongoing professional development requirements.

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Smart Start Program

The Smart Start Program Grant supports a consortium of Freeport, Uniondale, and Westbury schools in providing professional development for K–8 teachers focused on building students’ computational thinking skills. In partnership with the New York Institute of Technology, instructional coaches provide in-class support, model instructional strategies, and work directly with teachers to strengthen instruction.

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McKinney Vento Grant

The McKinney Vento Subgrant helps to provide a variety of supports for temporarily displaced students and their families as they transition to permanent housing. The grant helps to fund academic and mental health support for students and their families including purchases of emergency supplies, referral services and counseling through a partnership with New Ground, Inc. and other consultants.