On Tuesday, York College interim president Claudia Schrader, New York City Councilman Francisco Moya, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, representatives of the New York City Football Club (NYCFC), other local elected officials and York College personnel, collaboratively announced a $7.5 million donation by the Major League Soccer organization to the City University of New York institution located in the Jamaica section of the borough of Queens.
The largest philanthropic gift provided to York since its founding in 1966 will be used to aid in the growth of the college’s programs and services for students, faculty and staff around health and wellness, specifically investment towards renovations to the fitness center, a student health, wellness and resource hub, program funds for health and professional programs, and athletics transportation.
The 20th expansion team of the MLS, New York City FC was founded in 2013 and played its inaugural match in the league in 2015. Co-owned by City Football Group and Yankee Global Enterprises, the latter the owner of the New York Yankees, NYCFC has held its home matches at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and Red Bull Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. It also has plans to open a soccer-specific home stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, near Citi Field in 2027.
“New York City FC is a proven leader, both on and off the field, and their support underscores the importance of strengthening the academic programs and services we offer at York College,” said President Schrader.
“We are excited and grateful for this gift, not only to York, but to the southeast Queens community. It will give us an opportunity to accelerate the mission of this 58-year institution into the next generation.”
New York City FC Vice Chair Marty Edelman emphasized the significance of York College to the wider educational framework of the five boroughs and the soccer franchise’s monetary contribution.
“York College has been an important member of the Queens and larger New York City community since its founding nearly 60 years ago. Today’s gift will help bring more high-quality education to its students, whether they’re from Queens or from around the world,” said Edelman.
“When our students have the tools and support they need, their possibilities are limitless,” said Speaker Adams. “An investment in our scholars is an investment in our city’s future…”
NYC Council Member Francisco Moya has been prominent in helping to build the relationship between NYCFC and York.
“I have worked hand in hand with New York City FC to bring essential resources to Queens, and today is a demonstration that when you find the right partners, good things happen,” he said.
“I commend NYCFC for their investments in Queens and look forward to continuing our partnership as we eagerly await the opening of its new, all-electric stadium at Willets Point,” added Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.