Becas 2023-2024
Science Olympiad Program
Recipient: Vanessa Lam-Tran, Science Teacher
Award: $2,225
The grant supports hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students in grades 9–12 through engineering challenges, scientific research, and regional competitions. Funding will help cover competition registration fees and essential materials, allowing more students to participate regardless of financial circumstances while building teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Science Olympiad is unique in that it spans multiple scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, and earth science.
Hudson River Clearwater Experience
Recipient: Emily Nastasi, Social Studies Teacher
Award: $1,100
Now in its third year of Ossining MATTERS funding, this grant supports a sailing experience aboard the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater for students enrolled in the Hudson River Valley History course. Through hands-on learning activities such as water quality testing, fish studies, and ship operations, students gain a deeper understanding of the Hudson River's environmental and cultural significance. Throughout the course, students explore the history, art, literature, conservation, preservation, and ecology of the Hudson River Valley while learning from Clearwater’s educational programs, which inspire lifelong stewardship of the river and its tributaries.
Business Club Professional Development and Competition
Recipient: Debra Jacoby, Business Teacher
Award: $3,966
The grant proposal requests funding to support approximately 160 students in grades 9–12 through DECA competitions, financial literacy programming, leadership development, and community service initiatives. Students participate in regional, state, and international business competitions in areas such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and hospitality, while also developing presentation, networking, and critical-thinking skills.
A major component of the program is the student-run VITA tax preparation service, where 30–50 students annually help local residents prepare taxes free of charge, completing approximately 120 tax returns this year alone. Additional activities include the Business Skills Olympics, the Personal Financial Literacy Challenge, networking luncheons, and student-led fundraising and business projects.
Funding would support competition attire, student recognition materials, networking events, food for extended after-school programming, and travel-related expenses. The program helps students build confidence, professionalism, career readiness, and a sense of belonging while expanding access to real-world business and leadership experiences.
Ossining High School
Anne M. Dorner Middle School
Keyboards in Music
Recipients: Abigail Garrison and Khalil Barnes, Music Teachers
Award: $4,250
This grant funds the purchase of 25 full-size keyboards, providing more than 500 middle school students with hands-on piano instruction and opportunities to develop foundational music skills, including note reading, rhythm, coordination, and performance techniques.
Claremont Elementary School
Community Read Program
Recipients: Micki Lockwood and Erica O’Brien, Teachers
Award: $3,400
Funding will support a school-wide reading initiative centered on The One and Only Ivan for all third- and fourth-grade students. Participants will receive a copy of the book in English or Spanish and engage in family discussion activities, STEM extensions, read-aloud resources, and a culminating bilingual community celebration.
Transition and Regulation After-School Program
Recipients: Kerri Cranston, Special Education Teacher, and Ashley Gillis, District Behavior Specialist
Award: $20,000
This grant supports some of the district’s most vulnerable students through a specialized after-school program designed for children requiring intensive, individualized support. The program provides enriching, structured experiences that help participants build friendships, develop independence, strengthen self-regulation and social-emotional skills, and successfully engage in activities beyond the classroom. In addition to benefiting students, the program provides valuable after-school care and support for families who often face limited childcare and enrichment options for children with complex needs. By creating opportunities for meaningful connections, skill development, and community participation, the program helps students thrive while offering critical support to their caregivers.
Brookside School
Therapy Dog Program
Recipient: Michelle Lebenberg, Speech Therapist
Award: $2,930.65
This grant supports the care and maintenance of Brookside’s therapy dog, Summer, including certifications, insurance, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies. Summer helps students improve behavior, strengthen reading skills, increase communication, and experience greater success throughout the school day.
First Steps
Early Learning Materials Project
Recipient: Catherine Miller, Program Director
Award: $3,124
Funding will provide a laminator and laminating film to create durable, reusable educational materials for more than 100 Pre-K 2 and Pre-K 3 students. The project will also allow students to take home learning resources that support family engagement and continued learning outside the classroom.