New library media center made possible by $110,000 grant from BP

June 12 2006 - The Fund for Public Schools today announced the opening of PS 142’s new library media center, created with a $110,000 donation from BP.  The new center will serve the more than 500 students who attend PS 142. BP’s grant is a part of the Fund’s effort to increase private sector support for libraries in New York City’s public schools.

BP’s donation was used to purchase a new and updated book collection for the school, for every grade level and in multiple languages. Funds were also used to purchase more than two dozen computers, two network printers, a bookbinding machine, a laminator, a photocopier, production software for students to create projects, and electronic databases for research.

“We are grateful to BP for their support of PS 142,” said Deborah McGinn, chief financial officer, Fund for Public Schools. “The resources they are providing will make PS 142’s library a center of learning for the entire school community.”

"Participating in helping educate young people is important to BP and we are pleased to support the renovation of PS142," said Bruce Johnson, BP External Affairs. "We hope that the new center will help teachers to continue to help unlock the potential inside every student."

PS 142 is located on Manhattan’s lower east side. The school serves nearly 550 students and has a greater than 90% attendance rate. More than 96% of the students qualify for free lunch.

About the Fund for Public Schools

The Fund for Public Schools is the non-profit organization affiliated with the New York City Department of Education. Its mission is to inspire belief in public schools and our ability to make them better; to increase private sector support of public education and to encourage every New Yorker to participate in our city’s schools. The Fund seeks critical funding for system-wide educational reform initiatives; helps businesses partner with individual schools and programs; supports volunteering and reaches out to the entire city to create awareness about our public schools’ needs. For more information about the Fund, log on to www.fundforpublicschools.org.

About BP

BP's main activities are the exploration for and production of crude oil and natural gas; oil refining, marketing, supply and transportation; and the manufacturing and marketing of petrochemicals. BP has a growing activity in gas, power and alternative energy businesses. It is the world's second largest oil and gas company producing around three per cent of the oil and gas produced in the world through operations in 100 countries and more than 96,000 employees.

Contact:        Elizabeth Berberich

                        Fund for Public Schools

                        212-374-5542

                        eberberich@schools.nyc.gov