The Newark Thrives Steering Committee announced the launch of Newark Thrives!, a citywide network of out-of-school time program providers, expanded learning time funders, higher education institutions, public and charter school advocates, parents, and youth. The website, www.Newark-Thrives.org, now live, features resources for youth and families including a summer program directory and a comprehensive youth program locator tool, which provides searchable access to youth programs offered outside of traditional school time and throughout the city of Newark for grades pre-K through post-high school.
Through the locator, families can identify structured activities offered after regular school hours, on weekends, and during summer months. Youth program provider resources also available through the site can assist with increasing program capacity and efficacy through trainings that strengthen program design, evaluation, and data analysis. Stakeholders may now opt-in to ThriveMail!, the network’s bi-weekly e-newsletter, to remain abreast of activities for youth, provider workshops, employment opportunities, evaluation tools, and other resources to bolster families, youth experiences, and program provider offerings.
Newark Thrives! kicks off summer learning season with citywide, #SummertimeNewark social media campaign. All summer long, youth, program providers, program instructors, camp counselors, coaches, and families are encouraged to tweet, post, and share summer learning photos and videos using the hashtag #SummertimeNewark and caption each moment including their program name. Follow @NewarkThrives on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to prepare for a Twitterstorm on National Summer Learning Day, July 14, 2016 where the network’s 180 providers will make a unified attempt to trend across social media.
“The work of Newark Thrives! could not have come at a better time. The success of Newark youth is vital to the development of our city. From Pre-K to college, all Newark students and their families should have access to great summer and afterschool programs so they are prepared to contribute to Newark’s long-term success!” said Mahako Etta, Manager, Newark City of Learning Collaborative.
Jahsyn Reid, a 9-year-old third-grader who attends Harriett Tubman Elementary School was awarded a $100 grand prize for drafting an original design selected as the blueprint for the Newark Thrives! official logo. Honored at the June 2, 2016 Newark Public Schools Citywide Barbeque, Reid’s check presentation was just one of several inaugural events Newark Thrives! participated in, to giveaway wireless hotspots sponsored by the City of Newark, Newark Housing Authority, the Prudential Foundation, and My Brother’s Keeper. The free, 3GB for three years, Sprint devices retail at $110 and will help 500 families without internet access connect to online opportunities, and help those with access save on wireless bills.
“An array of experiences are needed so that all youth have an opportunity to establish their own identity, articulate their role in the community, build mentor-mentee relationships, develop career interests, and determine educational pathways. Newark Thrives! was established so that all stakeholders with an interest in building this future can come to the same table to produce, promote, and strengthen these kinds of opportunities for Newark youth,” said Dr. Traymanesha Moore, Executive Director, Newark Thrives!
Newark Thrives! goals are to increase access to: safe and healthy learning environments, positive relationships with peers and adults, twenty-first century skillsets, and a wide variety of opportunities to explore and develop.
“Newark Thrives! is filling a dire need in Newark. Newark is overflowing with programs and opportunities that many students and families don’t know enough about. Opportunity is life-changing and information is power. Newark Thrives! is bringing them both together for our youth, and that is truly exciting!” said Kaleena Berryman, Program Coordinator, Abbott Leadership Institute & Advocating Coach, Youth Media Symposium Newark.
