The United Way of Greater Newark will award four grants Monday that total $10,000 to four non-profits to mark the start of the first-ever Summer Learning Week in Newark.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he intends to make Summer Learning Week an annual event.
The Accelerating Summer Learning Opportunities mini-grants will be given to programs within Newark Thrives! – a network that provides opportunities for kids when they are out of school. The grants are as follows:
- The Gem Project: $5,000;
- Abbott Leadership Institute: $2,000;
- Mighty Writers: $2,000;
- Bricks 4 Kidz: $1,000.
The mini-grants will go to support 4-6 week summer learning experiences for youth throughout the Greater Newark area.
“The City of Newark is proud to join the State of New Jersey and United Way of Greater Newark in proclaiming the inaugural Summer Learning Week as a way to strengthen the educational development of one of Newark’s most important resources – our youth,” Baraka said.
“I commend United Way of Greater Newark for getting much-needed resources into the hands of the incredible organizations that are expanding access to quality summer and out-of-school learning opportunities for Newark families. As we prepare students to return to school in September, this community effort will also help us move Newark forward to a more equitable and educated city.”
United Way of Greater Newark CEO Catherine Wilson said the grants will have great impact.