Camden will be home to a vibrant public school system that inspires all students and prepares them for success after high school.
What We Do
The Camden Education Fund (CEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating progress in Camden’s public school system.
CEF works with families, school partners, and community leaders to identify citywide needs in education. CEF then provides grants and develops strategic partnerships to address these citywide needs. Grantees may include schools, non-profits, and universities.
Our Vision
Camden will be home to a vibrant public school system that inspires all students and prepares them for success after high school.
Our Mission
To sustain and accelerate progress in Camden’s public school system.
Our Focus Areas
CEF grants and strategic partnerships focus on the following areas:
Recruiting, developing, retaining, and appreciating excellent teachers
Ensuring a great school for every child and services that meet all children’s needs
Providing all students with access to high-quality, rigorous, and relevant curricula
Creating opportunities for parents and community leaders to shape a system that meets families’ needs
Developing structured pathways for post-secondary success, including college and career
Looking for more? Check out our featured grantees.
Our Team
Giana Campbell
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Giana is a former state education department and district administrator. Giana’s career in urban education spans nearly two decades, including school instruction and operations, external affairs, and family and community engagement.
She holds a B.A. in English and Political Science and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia.
In her role, Giana is responsible for overseeing all facets of the organization, including driving the mission, fundraising, operations, local and statewide advocacy, and engagement with the board of directors.
Sarah Hutton
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Sarah is a former education and workforce development leader and adjunct professor. She has spent over 13 years in the nonprofit and higher education sectors focusing on areas such as out of school time programming, first-year college retention, alternative education for high school students, and workforce development.
She holds a B.A. in Strategic Communication from Temple University, an M.S. in Global and International Education from Drexel University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University.
In her role, Sarah supports the CEO in internal and external responsibilities, including grant giving and management, internal communications, external stakeholder relationship management, and board and donor communications.
Jonathan Garr
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Jonathan is a former teacher and school administrator. Jonathan served most recently as a Professional Development Implementation Specialist with Great Minds, a nonprofit curriculum provider.
He holds a B.A. in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Pennsylvania.
In his role, Jonathan leads the work to develop and manage investments made in schools and partner organizations across all of CEF’s focus areas.
Yaniece Spencer
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Yaniece is the former Director of Student Services for an Alternative High School Program in Philadelphia. Yaniece has over a decade of experience in the school setting.
She holds a B.S in Social Work from Delaware State University and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University. She is the Co-Founder of BOSS Mentoring and Owner of YSS Graphics.
In her role, Yaniece manages CEF’s communications and community outreach strategy to build partnerships and ensure that the work of CEF is shared far and wide.
Kiara Hernandez
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Kiara is a former non-profit development and school operations administrator. Kiara most recently served as a Development Coordinator with Elevate 215, a local education non-profit.
She holds a B.A. in Global Affairs with a Global Governance concentration from George Mason University.
In her role, Kiara serves as project manager and primary point of contact for schools, partner organizations, and other programs across various CEF initiatives.
Our Board
Jose Brito
Former Camden City School District Board Member
Falynn Miligan
Jessica Peña
Charles Holmes
Our Values
- We are doers
- We pursue excellence
- We practice humility
- We operate with integrity
- We champion equity