NJCDC Holds Summer Programs for Paterson Kids of All Ages

Each summer, there is a critical need for summer programming for families in Paterson. Studies show that these programs not only help lessen summer learning loss for children living in poverty but also have a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

NJCDC has long recognized the importance of engaging students over the summer, especially as educational disparities in our community grow. In Paterson district schools, 24.1% of students meet proficiency levels — defined as passing grades — in language arts, compared to 51.3% statewide. And in math, 12.3% of Paterson students are proficient, compared to 38.2% statewide.

In more affluent communities, many parents enroll their children in educational and recreational summer programs that play a key role in their cognitive, academic, social, and physical development. However, cost, availability, and transportation often make these private, fee-based programs inaccessible to youth in our neighborhood.

To address this gap, NJCDC provided free programs for youth of all ages this summer. Our students not only had a great time in safe, supervised environments but also learned a great deal about topics of interest to them!

Summer Youth Arts

In this four-week program for kids entering Kindergarten through 5th grade, students explored their creativity through drumming, dance, sewing, and arts and crafts. They decorated birdhouses, made candles, experimented with clay, and learned to create a marble effect with paint! The program concluded with a vibrant display of their work for their families, accompanied by a celebratory event featuring a bouncy castle and gift bags.

Junior YouthBuild

This program for Paterson teens ages 14-18 gave participants the opportunity to improve their community while earning a paycheck! Over five weeks, youth cleaned up litter, built gardens, and engaged in other beautification projects across the Great Falls Neighborhood. By the end of the program, each participant had earned over $1,800, along with the invaluable satisfaction of knowing they made a difference. Junior YouthBuild was made possible by a $100,000 award from the City of Paterson's Community Development Block Grant funds.

NJ4S Passaic County Summer Rising Camp

This two-week in-house summer enrichment program for rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders throughout Passaic County offered a unique blend of psycho-educational learning, community connection, and recreation. Held in August, students from Wayne, Clifton, Paterson, and other towns in Passaic County enjoyed field trips (including to a trampoline park!), educational workshops, sports, games, mindfulness activities, yoga, and arts and crafts, such as glass art, sculpture, vision boards, and tie-dye. The program wrapped up with a Field Day at Goffle Brook Park, featuring classic fun like potato sack races, lawn bowling, and BBQing, alongside yoga, mindful martial arts, dancing, Jenga, and a bouncy castle!

Bridge to Success

Starting high school can be tough, but Paterson kids know NJCDC is always here to help. This innovative four-week program for teens about to start high school provided participants with the skills to navigate this important transition. They engaged in leadership and teambuilding activities, outdoor art projects, a trip to YMCA Camp Bernie, and sessions with compelling guest speakers. The program also provided free breakfast, lunch, and snacks. At the end of the program, each student received a $150 stipend for their participation.

Summer STEAM Academy

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is at the forefront of innovation. Exposure to STEAM not only fosters creativity but also helps students learn to think outside the box, come up with new ideas, and develop solutions to complex problems.

Thanks to funding from the PSEG Foundation, NJCDC held a summer STEAM program for middle school and high school students featuring engaging hands-on activities like hover crafts, drag racers, and rocket kits! Watch our short recap video.

NJCDC Founder and CEO Bob Guarasci said, “As summer comes to a close, NJCDC is proud of the positive impact these programs have had on Paterson youth. We're committed to continuing our efforts to provide enriching opportunities for all children in our community, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.”