Camden Education Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational progress across Camden schools.
We collaborate with schools, educators, and community leaders to identify citywide educational priorities. In response, CEF awards grants to educational organizations and establishes strategic partnerships to address these needs.
Camden Education Fund was founded to help rebuild and strengthen a citywide education system in the face of deep, generational poverty and historic disinvestment that resulted in challenges with school performance.
Our mission is to sustain and accelerate progress in Camden’s public school system.
We build a culture of belonging
We build a culture of belonging
We lead with integrity and humility
We take action & pursue excellence
We champion equity & representation
our story
Founded in 2019, Camden Education Fund was created to prove that real, lasting education reform is possible. We have built on the progress that came before us by funding and supporting programs that help students and educators thrive in the classroom and beyond.
We connect all schools and education-based programs to build a more unified, citywide approach to education. Our mission is to ensure that every child in Camden, New Jersey, has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their income, immigration status, race, or learning ability. We’re equally dedicated to equipping every teacher and aspiring educator with the tools and resources they need to teach the next generation. A strong education lays the foundation for successful students and stronger communities.
The programs in which we invest consider five core pillars that are critical to creating a vibrant education system: teacher talent, inclusive schools, academic quality, college and career success, and parents and community leaders.
Highlights of the progress we've made so far:
Closing the Performance Gap
Learn MoreOver the past decade, Camden students have made meaningful progress in narrowing learning gaps. In English Language Arts (ELA), especially, scores have improved by nearly 10 percentage points since 2015. Notably, Camden has closed the performance gap with statewide peers by seven percentage points during that time.
Investing in Educators
More than $1.2 million invested in teacher recruitment, development, and recognition through initiatives like the Camden Teacher Pipeline, RISE Awards, and microgrants for school leaders.
Improving Instruction
More than $1.5 million invested in high-quality, rigorous curricula, with an additional $600,000 planned for post-pandemic academic recovery.
Advancing Equity
An investment of more than $5 million to ensure every student’s needs are met—including $2.5 million through the Supporting All Learners program, which focuses on students with disabilities, bilingual learners, and English language learners.
Supporting Youth & Families
More than $7 million to local nonprofits including those who support youth, families, and immigrants.
Fostering College & Career Readiness
Supporting post-secondary pathways with an investment of more than $2.7 million going towards including FAFSA support, College Signing Day, and paid internships.
Modernizing School Facilities
Since 2016, state and local leaders have partnered to invest nearly $600 million that has resulted in the construction of six new school buildings and nine major building renovations, serving nearly 50% of Camden’s K-12 students. The impact is that more than half of all Camden students will now have the opportunity to experience vastly improved and more modern learning environments.
our team
Giana Campbell
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
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.
Jonathan Garr
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
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
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
CEO, We Care Home Care Former Camden City School District Board MemberJessica Peña
Partner, The City FundFalynn Miligan
Owner, Executive Medical Transportation ServicesCharles Holmes
Managing Partner, Holmes & Company, LLC“This role is an amazing opportunity to have a tangible impact in the community in both small and large ways. Working with a team of folks who are just as passionate about seeing Camden thrive makes work a joy.”