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CTI Instructor Erin Scott applied for a grant from the It Gets Better organization’s 50 States, 50 Grants initiative that will allocate up to $10,000 to fund projects that uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ youth in schools. Only one New York school district will be announced as the winner in June. The money will be used toward professional development for staff, community events and starting up a GSA chapter, which will benefit BOCES’ 13 component districts. “The money that we get will serve the entire community,” Scott said. “This will provide education, equity and diversity to everybody.” Scott has heard from many students who are supportive of the LGBTQ community and BOCES’ efforts. “They seem very excited that this is coming to their school,” Scott said. “Our students come from all over the county and have different backgrounds across the board.” Even if BOCES does not get the grant, Scott and other staff remain committed to offer the services. “We’ll figure out a way; a lot of resources are free,” Scott said. “We accept everybody; it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re welcome here.”