The Office of Staten Island Borough President
10/20/2025 | Press release | Archived content
Push To Preserve Gifted & Talented Program
Borough President Vito Fossella, parents, and students rallied to oppose changes to the Gifted and Talented (G&T) Program for elementary school students.
The gathering was prompted by a proposal by a mayoral candidate frontrunner who has suggested eliminating the G&T Program if elected.
"We're here today to remind folks that elections have consequences and to shine a light on a program that may disappear if the wrong person wins in the upcoming race for mayor," said Borough President Fossella. "For those who believe fully in improving education for all kids, removing or dismantling the Gifted & Talented program would be a big mistake."
Borough President Fossella pointed to Staten Island Technical High School as a testament to the success of G&T programs.
"One of the best schools, frankly in the United States, is Staten Island Tech, in part because we allowed those kids to be challenged in the elementary schools and the middle schools," said Borough President Fossella. And, those kids are not only leaders today, but they'll go into college and be the leaders of tomorrow. I can't emphasize enough what a mistake this would be."
Benny Huang, a senior at Staten Island Technical High School and former G&T student, said the programs provide "life-changing and transformative environments."
"These programs not only pushed me academically, but they affected how I think, how work and how I view the world around me," he said. "Starting an accelerated program was where I first started to feel challenged. It wasn't pressure for pressure's sake, it was a push to grow, a push to continually learn. I strongly agree that every student deserves that same opportunity for growth in early life. Cutting the Gifted & Talented programs -- it doesn't provide a level playing field. Instead, it's only going to eliminate the one place where curiosity, drive and creativity is encouraged, not diminished."
The gathering was prompted by a proposal by a mayoral candidate frontrunner who has suggested eliminating the G&T Program if elected.
"We're here today to remind folks that elections have consequences and to shine a light on a program that may disappear if the wrong person wins in the upcoming race for mayor," said Borough President Fossella. "For those who believe fully in improving education for all kids, removing or dismantling the Gifted & Talented program would be a big mistake."
Borough President Fossella pointed to Staten Island Technical High School as a testament to the success of G&T programs.
"One of the best schools, frankly in the United States, is Staten Island Tech, in part because we allowed those kids to be challenged in the elementary schools and the middle schools," said Borough President Fossella. And, those kids are not only leaders today, but they'll go into college and be the leaders of tomorrow. I can't emphasize enough what a mistake this would be."
Benny Huang, a senior at Staten Island Technical High School and former G&T student, said the programs provide "life-changing and transformative environments."
"These programs not only pushed me academically, but they affected how I think, how work and how I view the world around me," he said. "Starting an accelerated program was where I first started to feel challenged. It wasn't pressure for pressure's sake, it was a push to grow, a push to continually learn. I strongly agree that every student deserves that same opportunity for growth in early life. Cutting the Gifted & Talented programs -- it doesn't provide a level playing field. Instead, it's only going to eliminate the one place where curiosity, drive and creativity is encouraged, not diminished."
The Office of Staten Island Borough President published this content on October 20, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 28, 2025 at 14:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]