Photo by Danny Santana.

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.— For the 2026-27 academic year, the New York City Council has announced that it has allocated funding to two Bard High School Early Colleges (BHSEC). BHSEC Brooklyn will receive $1.5 million for classroom upgrades, allocated by Council Member Chris Banks, and BHSEC Queens will receive $50,000 for technology upgrades, allocated by Council Member Julie Won.

“When I became the Council Member representing District 42, I made a commitment that the educational infrastructure for our students in East New York, Brownsville, Canarsie, East Flatbush, and Remsen Village would be a priority,” said Council Member Chris Banks. “Providing our young people with access to outstanding educational opportunities begins with investing in the spaces where they learn, grow, and prepare for their futures. I am proud to partner with Speaker Julie Menin on this $1.5 million capital investment for Bard Early College High School in East New York, which will continue to provide resources for the renovation of five classrooms, continuing to transform this innovative campus into a beacon of learning. Together, Speaker Menin and I are committed to ensuring that students in East New York have access to first-rate facilities that support academic excellence and college readiness. This investment reflects our shared belief that every student, regardless of zip code, deserves the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.”
 
Bard High School Early College Brooklyn opened in East New York in 2024. When fully enrolled, the school will serve 500 students, with 90% of seats reserved for students from across Brooklyn and 40% specifically for families from East New York and Brownsville. In June 2026, 100% of the school’s inaugural graduating class earned a New York State high school diploma, with 88% also earning an Associate in Arts degree from Bard College. Demand for the program continues to grow, with more than 1,300 applications received for the 2026–27 school year. Bard Brooklyn will welcome a new class of 100 students this September.

“I am thrilled to announce that this $50,000 will support technology upgrades for Bard High School Early College Queens,” said Council Member Julie Won. “This continued investment in public education gives students the tools they need to succeed in early college coursework while still in high school, so they are better prepared for what comes after graduation.”

Bard High School Early College Queens offers students two years of a college-preparatory high school curriculum in grades 9 and 10. During their final two years at BHSEC, students transition into the school’s early college program, taking college-level courses rather than traditional 11th- and 12th-grade classes. Serving approximately 650 students, BHSEC Queens is the largest school in the BHSEC network. BHSEC Queens was also an early participant in New York City’s Diversity in Admissions initiative, joining the program in 2017 to expand access to students from low-income families. The school initially reserved 63% of incoming seats for students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, increasing that share to 73% in 2021. Today, 73% of incoming seats are prioritized for eligible students, reflecting BHSEC Queens’ longstanding commitment to making its early college opportunities accessible to students from across New York City.

Read the full release here.