District Wins National Award For Summer Programs Excellence

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National Summer Learning Association honors district for innovative programs engaging students beyond the school year

NEWARK, N.J. –  The learning doesn’t stop in Newark Public Schools (NPS) during the summer months. The district continues to be abuzz with students engaged in learning activities and experiences. Now, the district has received national recognition for its excellent summer programs.

The district has been honored with The New York Life Foundation Excellence in Summer Learning Award. Since 2005, this award, defined by its rigorous application and selection process, has recognized enrollment-based programs that keep children and youth safe, healthy and learning during the critical summer months. Applicants for this award demonstrate strong outcomes in helping students grow their passions and cement skills learned during the school year through creative curricula, unique programming, and effective family engagement strategies. The granting of this award will be a highlight of the National Summer Learning Association’s (NSLA) annual Summer Learning Summit in Washington D.C. scheduled for November 11-13, 2024.

“Newark Public Schools offers tremendous opportunities for students to get a jump on their futures – whether it is in accelerating their learning through dual enrollment courses, getting practical work experience through internships, or developing critical thinking and collaboration skills in one of our many academies,” said Superintendent of Schools Roger León. “I congratulate everyone who has worked in developing the quality of our summer programs on earning this award, and I am proud of our students who make the most of their summers by continuing to learn.”

“On behalf of the Board of Education, I want to extend our deepest congratulations to the dedicated staff who have earned this prestigious national award for the excellence of our summer programs,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “By creating opportunities for students to explore new ideas, build essential skills, and prepare for the future, you are helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow. We are incredibly proud of your commitment to our students’ success and the lasting difference you are making in their lives.”

“In the 21st century, summer school has become more about developing skills for the future than making up coursework from the past. That’s why it takes a dynamic team of educators to create summer programs that prepare students for the upcoming school year and beyond,” said Director of Staff Development Matthew J. Brewster, who, along with Director of Extended Learning Time, Dr. Julianne Bello, oversees the NPS Summer Programs. “I want to thank and congratulate everyone in the Summer Programs Planning team for all that they did to help earn this very special award.”

Newark Public Schools ran a wide variety of Summer Programs including the following:

Elementary Programs (Rising Grades K-8)

  • K-Ready Kindergarten Boot Camp
  • Summer Achieve
  • English Plus
  • Extended School Year
  • Summer Jump-Start – High School Academy

High School Programs (Rising Grades 9-12)

  • Acceleration for rising 10th through 12th graders
  • Extended School Year Program
  • Summer Bridge Program
  • English Plus (9-12)
  • Newcomers Program
  • CTE Summer Future Business Leaders Program
  • Partnership Programs in CTE Industry
  • Newark/Montclair State Red Hawk Rising Teacher Academy
  • Post High School Planning

Enrichment Programs (Rising Grades K-12)

  • Summer Sports Camps
  • Summer STEM Academy
  • Summer Quest
  • Culture Creators – High School Visual Arts Academy
  • Summer Visual and Performing Arts Academy for rising 6th through 8th graders
  • High School Musical Theater
  • High School Enrichment

Other Programs and Partnerships

  • Allan Houston Legacy Foundation’s FISLL (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy) Summer Programs
  • Aspire NJ – Social Emotional and Educational Programs
  • Back 2 Life – Permanent Make Up and Scalp Micropigmentation
  • Be The Changemakers – Empowering students to make changes in the world
  • Broadway Bound – Theater Program
  • Brookside – A sanctuary for students to connect amidst the beauty of nature
  • The Budgetnista – Tiffany Aliche teaches financial literacy
  • Carpentry 311 – Students get first-hand experiences in carpentry
  • New Jersey DEA Junior Citizens Academy
  • Harvard University Pre-College Program
  • Lotus Yoga
  • LouLou Baker Lab Zone DOPE Program – providing social and emotional support for young women in high school.
  • Mariano Rivera Foundation Print Shop Program for Graphic Design Students
  • Newmark Real Estate Summer Internships for High School Students
  • Media program with Nilda Rosario, broadcaster at MEGA 97.9 FM
  • Port Authority Youth Academy
  • Parsons School of Design Intensive Summer Program
  • Pratt Institute Summer Program
  • Rizz Ink Customz Program for Graphic Design Students
  • Seton Hall University Entrepreneur Institute
  • Secrets to Plush Cosmetology Program
  • Simple Trader Pro Summer Stock Market Program
  • Te-Bass Productions Music Production Program
  • Brooklyn Chop House Program on the restaurant industry
  • Leonidas Foundation Youth Corps Program at West Side High School
  • Look Good Feel Good Program that promotes self-care and confidence building
  • Gambert Shirts

CLICK HERE for more information on the district’s summer programs.