By Joseph Morales

         The Bedford Park-Lehman College area is one of the largest transit hubs in The Bronx. The area has access to 6 bus lines as well as the 4, B and D trains also within a 10 minute walk.  Many of the major destinations here are educational institutions including the Bronx High School of Science, Lehman College and High School Of American Studies at Lehman College. Transit is very important to the community thriving as many students who attend these schools come from all over the city and use transit to get to the area.

          Outside of students, the area is largely frequented by those transferring from bus to bus. When transferring at the Paul Av/W 205th St stop, across the street from The Bronx High School Of Science, many riders may notice what appears to be a massive construction site. Look a little closer, and you will notice a unique, modern building with glass windows around it. So many riders may wonder, what will this building be used for?

            The building, known as the Manne Institute is being constructed as a new science lab with three lab spaces, equipment rooms as well as a presentation and gathering space according to President of the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation Sang Kim. The building will also provide open space to the entire Bronx community as a result of a donation from Bronx Science alumni Stanley Manne(‘52), which is not only the largest individual gift the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation has ever received, but the largest donation ever to a high school in New York City history according to a Bronx Science Press Release.  The Manne Institute is a joint project between the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation, the New York City Department of Education and the School Construction Authority. The project also has the support of schools throughout the Bronx, with 7 high school partners for the project and 1 middle school partner.  

         This is what former teacher and NYC Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter had to say at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in July 2021. “The Manne Institute will bring cutting-edge science facilities to the Bronx and I’m grateful for Mr. Manne’s generosity and the collaboration between the Fund For Public Schools, Bronx Science Alumni Foundation and the Department of Education. “I can’t wait to see students from across the borough busy at work in classrooms, labs and getting hands-on experience.”

         Hopefully, the former chancellor’s dream is realized and students from all over the city can learn and explore inside this marvel of architecture for years to come.

Works Cited

“Press Release — Bronx Science Alumni Foundation.” Bronx Science Alumni Foundation, 21 July 2021, https://alumni.bxscience.edu/manne-institute. Accessed 28 September 2022.

Meisha Porter – President & CEO – The Bronx Community Foundation.” LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-meisha-porter-57a915a7. Accessed 30 September 2022.