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New York City Regional Center's Contribution to Education and Community

On September 23, 2025, it was announced that the New York City Regional Center has successfully closed a funding deal worth $15 million through the New Market Tax Credit financing program for the Charter School for Law and Social Justice, located in the Bronx. This notable transaction marks the establishment of the eleventh charter school within New York City benefiting from investments facilitated by the Center, with eight of these schools operating specifically in the Bronx district. The recently secured capital will primarily aid in the renovations of a spacious 39,417 square-foot six-story building which will house a new middle school and a community daycare facility.

The middle school set to open its doors will host approximately 330 students and will be outfitted with essential educational facilities including classrooms, a cafeteria, and a multi-purpose gymnasium with elevated ceilings on both the fifth and sixth floors. For families needing childcare, the daycare center spans 8,916 square feet and will be leased to the Sunshine Learning Center, accommodating about 160 children ranging from infancy to kindergarten. Moreover, this financial support will aid in providing operational reimbursements for an existing 47,300 square-foot high school managed by the Charter School for Law and Social Justice, dedicated to serving a student body of 505.

Founded in 2015, the Charter School for Law and Social Justice has aimed to provide an inclusive educational pathway designed to prepare students academically while also empowering them to engage meaningfully with social issues that affect their communities. This initiative was catalyzed by efforts from Professor Richard Marsico, who has been vocal about addressing systemic issues such as the school-to-prison pipeline. By establishing this school, the professor and his team shed light on the necessity of a dedicated educational institution focused on law and social justice matters.

The school embraces community engagement as one of its core values, forming partnerships with local organizations to create practical learning experiences for the students and their families. Among their key initiatives are mentoring programs that align students with law students and practicing attorneys, alongside community service projects that emphasize social justice, ensuring additional support for English language learners and students with special needs through extended school hours.

The recent financing was made possible through a previously allocated $45 million New Market Tax Credit award from the U.S. Department of Treasury directed to the NYCR-CDE, a Community Development Entity managed by the New York City Regional Center. This entity was founded to specifically deliver investment capital to low-income communities, and the strong track record of NYCR-CDE illustrates their efficiency in doing so. Since 2016, the organization has secured seven distinct annual tax credit awards totaling a robust $315 million.

Past projects financed by NYCR-CDE include significant infrastructure improvements such as the construction of the National Urban League's headquarters in Harlem, the redevelopment of community centers, as well as the establishment of various charter schools in economically disadvantaged areas. Prominent allocations also encompassed funding for schools such as DREAM in the South Bronx, and KIPP NYC in the Bronx, which positioned this new tranche of funding in a continued lineage of advantageous investments in education and community services.

Historically, the New Markets Tax Credit Program was established in 2000 with a vision to facilitate investment and economic growth within low-income neighborhoods that have traditionally struggled to attract capital. Through such federal programs, private investors are offered incentives in the form of income tax credits in exchange for their investments, which then bolster projects across sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and education.

To date, the New York City Regional Center has orchestrated the deployment of over $1.58 billion in EB-5 capital paired with $315 million in New Market Tax Credits across various infrastructure projects across New York City. This formidable financial leverage aims at reinventing low-income areas and fostering comprehensive community growth. As a result, NYCRC's efforts have led to more than 6,000 individuals achieving permanent residency in the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, revealing the profound impact of judicious governmental funding and community investment.

In summary, the latest funding reflects a commitment to educational development and community upliftment in New York City, particularly within underserved regions. Through collaborative efforts and strategic financial support, the future of education for numerous children stands to be notably brighter, embodying the mission of engaging students with the realities of law and social justice while equipping them for future opportunities.