Council Member Pierina Sanchez and the administration of a Bronx middle school made a significant announcement on Thursday to mark the start of the new school year. They unveiled a multi-million-dollar capital investment aimed at addressing technology accessibility challenges.
With support from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Sanchez secured funding for the construction of a state-of-the-art multimedia center at I.S. 117, located at 1865 Morris Ave., that will be open to students and the public.
The project aims to tackle a long-standing issue in Bronx public schools: limited access to technology. This is particularly crucial as students and educators increasingly rely on digital learning tools.
More than 25% of Bronx families reported difficulties in accessing technology and internet services at home, according to a 2022 study by the Community Service Society. The study also revealed that many students struggle to do their homework due to these barriers.
“Access to technology is critical in public schools across the Bronx as students and teachers embrace a new era of digital learning,” said Sanchez. “This investment will not only bridge the gap in tech accessibility but will also provide educators and students with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world.”
The initiative was sparked in early Fall 2023 when I.S. 117 leadership, including Principal Caron Martin, BEACON Director Carlos Castillo, and Community School Director Radayza Montas, convened to address the school’s lack of a functioning library. Collaborating with Sanchez and her team, the school initially sought $1 million to fund a new media center, but due to the Council’s advocacy, the final investment far exceeded their expectations.
“We envisioned a space that serves not only our 1,000 students and staff but also the broader community,” Martin said. “Council Member Sanchez and her team went above and beyond…This media center will become a cornerstone for both our campus and the neighborhood.”
The multimedia center will be a pivotal resource for students, Sanchez said, providing them with access to technology and fostering a safe, inspiring space for learning. The school’s leadership also plans to open the facility to the local community, further extending its impact beyond the classroom.
Construction is slated to begin in the coming months.
