Former NYC Council Member Launches Community Scholarship for Elementary School Alma Mater

Jimmy Van Bramer establishes scholarship fund for students at P.S. 70 in Astoria through NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:04pm

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Former New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer has launched a 'Community Scholarship' for students of his elementary school alma mater, P.S. 70 in Astoria, through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program. The program provides scholarship accounts to every public school kindergartener to support their college and career goals, and Van Bramer is one of many NYC public school alumni across the city who are directly investing in students' futures by adding money to their accounts.

Why it matters

The NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program aims to make college more accessible for all New York City public school students by providing them with scholarship accounts and encouraging community investment. Van Bramer's initiative to support students at his former elementary school demonstrates how alumni can play a key role in this effort and inspire students to pursue higher education.

The details

Through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, nearly every student attending a New York City public school in kindergarten through fourth grade has an NYC Scholarship Account with money already set aside for higher education. Van Bramer, a New York City Public School alumnus, Commissioner of the New York City Public Design Commission, and former City Council Member representing the western Queens neighborhoods where he grew up, met with third-grade students at P.S. 70 to discuss college and career pathways following his investment in their scholarship accounts.

  • On March 26, 2026, Van Bramer launched the 'P.S. 70Q The Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino School Alumni Community Scholarship' for students at his elementary school alma mater.

The players

Jimmy Van Bramer

A New York City Public School alumnus, Commissioner of the New York City Public Design Commission, and former City Council Member representing the western Queens neighborhoods where he grew up.

NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program

A program that provides scholarship accounts to every public school kindergartener in New York City to support their college and career goals.

P.S. 70

Van Bramer's elementary school alma mater located in Astoria, Queens.

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What’s next

Van Bramer plans to continue supporting the students at P.S. 70 by adding more funds to their scholarship accounts and encouraging other alumni to contribute as well.

The takeaway

Van Bramer's initiative demonstrates how public school alumni can play a vital role in making college more accessible for current students by directly investing in their futures through community scholarship programs like the one offered by NYC Kids RISE. This type of alumni engagement can inspire students to pursue higher education and achieve their college and career goals.