FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9th, 2025
CONTACT: Emma Johnson
ejohnson@council.nyc.gov
347-864-4925
Council Member Keith Powers Announces $250k for the High School of Art and Design
Over $1 million in capital investments over the past 5 years
NEW YORK – Today Council Member Keith Powers announced that he has secured $250,000 in capital funding for the High School of Art and Design. This investment will go toward state of the art technology for use in the classroom, as well as upgrades to the school’s athletic and fitness facilities.
These funds will be used to purchase brand new iPad Pro carts for the school’s digital illustration classes. The availability of these industry standard digital design tools will ensure that the High School of Art and Design remains a leader in arts education. The school’s gymnasium will receive a brand new scoreboard, and the fitness center will receive a set of stationary bikes.
“I am extremely proud that we are able to help the High School of Art and Design incorporate brand new technology into their classroom, and add new exercise equipment to their fitness center, which the school’s entire community will benefit from,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “And as a lover of sports, I know that the new scoreboard will help us all to cheer on the student athletes when they become champions!”
Since 2020, Council Member Powers has supported the investment of over $1 million into the High School of Art and Design, which has been used to improve various facilities and educational resources available to students. These funds have gone toward the installation of hydroponics labs, where students learn about horticulture. They have also been used to improve the school’s gymnasium and black box theater, and upgrade the school’s drinking fountains, among other capital projects.
The High School of Art and Design, founded in 1936 as the School of Industrial Art, is a specialized high school in Midtown Manhattan, which serves approximately 1,500 students. The school provides each student with a well-rounded education, combining dedicated arts instruction with a core curriculum that prepares students for any path that they choose to take following graduation. It has been located at its current home on East 56th St. since 2012.
“Council Member Powers has been instrumental in ensuring that our incredible school receives capital funding to support modernization of space and tools to make our young professionals competitive in constantly changing sectors,” said Principal Maximillian Sugiura. “We are beyond grateful and look forward to showcasing these updates!”
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