April 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Greetings! March was Women's History Month, an opportunity to honor the women who have shaped our history and the incredible young women who will shape our future. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) was thrilled to celebrate Women’s History Month by launching the New York State My Sister's Keeper initiative with a kick-off event at Bronx Community College on March 21.

The My Sister's Keeper (MSK) initiative builds on the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) program's mission to change the narrative for boys and young men of color by focusing on the specific challenges girls and young women of color experience in STEM education. The initiative will work to eliminate gender disparities in STEM fields while supporting diversity and building leadership skills in future female leaders.

In addition, to commemorate Women's History Month, the Office of Cultural Education hosted a series of interactive, community-focused programs spotlighting the remarkable achievements of pioneering women in science, art, and culture. These free events invited visitors of all ages to explore the collections of the State Museum, Library, and Archives to learn more about the groundbreaking contributions of women trailblazers.

Now that Women's History Month has concluded, we continue to acknowledge the enduring influence of women—past, present, and future—on the vibrant cultural landscape we are privileged to nurture and support.



Sincerely,

Betty A. Rosa

Commissioner

At its March 2024 meeting, the Board of Regents unanimously re-elected Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. and Vice Chancellor Judith Chin to their respective posts.

In addition, Regents Roger B. Tilles, Dr. Frances G. Wills, Dr. Roger P. Catania, and Hasoni L. Pratts were re-elected to the Board of Regents this month. The Board also welcomes three new members: Keith B. Wiley of Erie County and Felicia Thomas-Williams of Suffolk County, who will represent New York State's Eighth and Tenth Judicial Districts, respectively, and Brian J. Krist of Manhattan, who will serve as an At Large member.

Congratulations to Chancellor Young and Vice Chancellor Chin, as well as the re-elected and newly elected members of the Board of Regents!

The New York State Museum launched a national search for its next Museum Director, with Dr. Brent D. Glass, Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, leading the effort. With decades of experience in museum leadership, cultural diplomacy, and historical preservation, Dr. Glass is uniquely positioned to guide this important search as the Museum seeks a visionary leader to shape its future.

The New York State Museum, located in Albany, proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest state museum in the nation. Through innovative exhibitions, expanded community outreach, and robust partnerships, the next Director will ensure that the Museum continues to thrive as a compelling resource—one that resonates with every corner of our diverse state and inspires generations of New Yorkers.

This month, New York State School for the Deaf (NYSSD) honored its rich history of specialized services, instruction, and programming with a 150th anniversary celebration. Located in Rome, New York, the school has served to remove barriers and empower Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students from across New York State since its inception in 1875. NYSSD continues to have a profound impact with its individualized and rigorous approach to education that provides Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students with opportunities to reach their full potential. 

It’s a rock-solid success! The Rock and Fossil Fun Fair at the New York State Museum, paired with Dinosaur Train programming, drew a crowd of 5,150 enthusiastic guests. After a hiatus since 2020, the free fair allowed visitors to dig into the fascinating world of mineable minerals, rare rocks, and awe-inspiring prehistoric creatures that once roamed our planet.

Highlights from the Rock and Fossil Fun Fair include:

• Thirteen unique interactive stations where young learners could dig for fossils, mine for minerals, and experiment with a river replica.
• Impressive prizes and take-home items, including fossils, minerals, and petrified wood.
• Thirty-five volunteers from the Museum, area institutions, and organizations, including the Capital District Mineral Club.

The New York State STEM Incentive Program application is now open for New York State students attending a SUNY or CUNY college in the fall! To be eligible, students must:

• Be ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class at a New York State high school.
• Apply in their senior year of high school.
• Enroll in an undergraduate program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
• Commit to living and working in New York State for five years in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.

Students who don’t meet residency requirements may qualify through the NYS DREAM Act.

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is August 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit HESC’s New York State STEM Incentive Program website.

April is the Month of the Military Child – also known as Purple Up! For Military Kids. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the vital role of military families through special events and wearing the color purple.

Please visit our Month of the Military Child web page to learn more and to get some great ideas for celebrating these special children.

Our Interstate Compact web page provides additional information about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.