New York – New York State Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda announced a $215,000 investment in state funds to support the growth and expansion of Bard High School Early College Bronx. This investment is a product of Senator Sepulveda’s Vision 32: Empowering the Bronx initiative, which aims to promote capital investment in infrastructure and programmatic support for organizations across his district.

The announcement took place during a press conference at the Bard Early College Bronx campus, attended by prominent educational leaders, elected officials, and active school faculty. Among the special guests were Board of Regents member Aramina Vega Ferrer, New York State Education Department Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa, and representing Chancellor of New York City Department of Education Melissa Aviles-Ramos was First Deputy Chancellor Isabel DiMola, all of whom have played key roles in developing and implementing innovative educational models.

“This investment reaffirms my commitment to educational equity and early access to high-quality college experiences for Bronx students and their academic future,” stated Senator Sepúlveda. “The Bard Early College program not only gives young people the opportunity to earn college credits, at no cost, while still in high school, but it also strengthens their confidence, broadens their horizons, and reinforces the belief that access to higher education should be a right, not a privilege.”

This model has been recognized for its impact on reducing educational disparities and promoting social and academic mobility in historically underserved communities. The legislator also emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen partnerships between the State, the City, and educational institutions to build sustainable pathways from high school to higher education.

Regent Ferrer said, “I am deeply grateful for Senator Sepúlveda’s leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the Bronx. His support for Bard Early College is an investment in our students’ futures and in the strength of this community. The Board of Regents firmly believes in the power of early college models, and we are committed to seeing opportunities like this made available to all students across New York State.”

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, “Bard Early College Bronx shows us what’s possible when we pair high expectations with opportunity. Early college programs like this one don’t just accelerate learning, they expand access, build confidence, and open doors for students who may not have seen themselves as ‘college-ready.’ This is the heart of our NY Inspires initiative: creating pathways that are rigorous, relevant, and rooted in community. We are grateful for Senator Sepúlveda’s leadership and investment, which ensures more students can earn college credits, build critical skills, and pursue their ambitions right here in the Bronx. When we invest in early college models, we invest in New York’s future and in the extraordinary potential of every student.”

NYC Public Schools First Deputy Chancellor Isabel DiMola added that “early college opportunities give our students a strong foundation for postsecondary success”. We are deeply grateful for the investment in our students at Bard Early College Bronx Campus, and I look forward to seeing the strengthening of these pathways that support our students’ transitions to college and career.”

For her part, Siska Brutsaert, founding principal of Bard High School Early College Bronx, expressed her gratitude to Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda for his continued support of the school and his commitment to expanding educational opportunities—an effort that reflects the values the institution seeks to instill in its students: civic engagement, academic excellence, and a spirit of service. “We are proud to have the support of a leader who believes in the potential of every young person in the Bronx,” said Brutsaert.

“Thanks to the sustained support of Bronx leaders like Senator Sepúlveda, and a strong collaboration with the New York City Public Schools, Bard College continues to offer Bronx students a rigorous course of study and the opportunity to earn an associate degree free of charge,” said Dumaine Williams, Vice President and Dean of Early Colleges at Bard College. He further stated, “We are particularly proud of the fact that over 90% of the students enrolled at Bard High School Early College Bronx live right here in the Bronx. These talented and motivated students do not have to travel far for an excellent education.”