Friends of CSS
Friends of Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science, Engineering, Inc., is a New York state charitable corporation that was formed to support the academic mission of CSS. It is separate and independent from both the PTA and from the DOE, although the Friends and PTA regularly consult to coordinate efforts where appropriate. All contributions to Friends of CSS are deductible from federal and state income taxes to the full extent allowed by law.
The majority of Friends’ income currently comes from Columbia University’s annual contribution to CSS, but a significant amount also comes from voluntary charitable gifts from CSS parents and families. We also engage in outside fundraising through approaching potential donors, grant writing, corporate matching gifts, and other means.
Friends of CSS funds the school’s popular electives program, offering everything from academic acceleration to sports and the arts. It also provides the funds for experiential learning field trips, engineering and technology equipment, the college counseling program, and more.
Your support is vital. You’ll be hearing from Friends of CSS over the year as we strive to sustain these important programs, asking for your donations and keeping you updated on the many benefits for our students. Please give what you can to preserve these essential elements of the CSS experience. You can view a presentation on our organization here. You can contact us at:
President_FriendsofCSS@columbiasecondary.org
Thank you!
The 2022-2023 Friends of CSS Board:
David Lurvey, President
Kian Tajbakhsh, Treasurer
Emily Kerman, Secretary
Marie McArthur
Mark Kerman
Solenn de Kersauson
Min Hong
Miriam Nightengale
Nathaniel Polish