Rutgers University-Camden Hosts Celebration of Camden’s Graduating Seniors

MEDIA ADVISORY
APRIL 30, 2025
Contact: Jeff Jubelirer, (215) 840-8390, jjubelirer@bellevuepr.com.

CAMDEN, NJ:

Camden’s fourth annual “College Signing Day,” spearheaded by Camden Education Fund, will honor and celebrate all Camden City district, charter, and renaissance high school seniors who have committed to attending a college, university, trade or technical program, or the military.

“College Signing Day has become an annual tradition to showcase the amazing talents and promising futures of our Camden students. Success after high school can include a number of paths, and we are proud to support our students as they prepare to take the next steps in their journeys,” said Giana Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Camden Education Fund.

College Signing Day is part of Reach Higher, an initiative started in 2014 by former First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage and activate educators, counselors, and other adults to help first-generation and low-income students see college as an option.

“The Rutgers-Camden community is delighted to be a part of college signing day and to host this important event for the first time,” shared Dr. Nyeema C. Watson, Rutgers University-Camden Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategy, Diversity and Community Engagement. “As an anchor institution in the eds and meds community in Camden, commitment to community is at the heart of our mission, and we are thrilled to support local students on their pathway to a college degree and the many opportunities that await them.”

“As a proud graduate of Camden High School, I find great fulfillment watching the next generation of students graduate from our schools, and am excited to celebrate their commitment to a successful future,” said Victor Carstarphen, Mayor, City of Camden.

Holding the event for the first time at the Rutgers University – Camden Campus will add excitement for the occasion, with the program taking place in the Athletic and Fitness Center (gymnasium) followed by lunch and more activities happening on the Rutgers Athletic Complex field. With an expected attendance of over 600 post-secondary-bound students, the atmosphere will be charged with excitement and mirror a pep rally, including student performances, recognition of attending high schools and post-secondary institutions, scholarships, and more. To learn more about College Signing Day or Camden Education Fund see here.

WHO:

Victor Carstarphen, Mayor, City of Camden
Katrina McCombs, Superintendent, Camden City School District
Giana Campbell, Executive Director, Camden Education Fund
Dr. Nyeema C. Watson, Senior Vice Chancellor, Rutgers University-Camden 
Class of 2025 Student Speaker

WHEN:

Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Event Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
(Formal program is expected to run from 10:15 am – 12:15 p.m.)

WHERE:

Rutgers University – Camden
Athletic and Fitness Center (Gymnasium)
301 Linden St
Camden, NJ 08102

ABOUT CAMDEN EDUCATION FUND:

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 include schools, non-profits, and universities.

20 Camden Schools Come Together to Showcase Student STEM Projects from Across City.

MEDIA ADVISORY
MARCH 18, 2025
Contact: Mike Neilon, (610) 613-2664, mneilon@bellevuepr.com.

CAMDEN, NJ:

Camden Education Fund will host the first-ever Camden Citywide STEM Showcase on Friday, March 21. The Camden Citywide STEM Showcase aims to foster a love for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) among urban youth in the Camden area.

The event will be open to students from various grade levels across district, renaissance, and charter schools. Student projects will range from focuses on robotics and technology to projects focused on evolution. To encourage participation and showcase varied STEM projects, the first year of the fair will be non-competitive with prizes and giveaways for all participating students.

According to 2021 data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), both African American and Hispanic workers are underrepresented in STEM occupations nationwide. As a majority minority city, more than 90% of Camden’s population is comprised of Black and Latino residents, with schools reflecting this rich diversity. Creating equitable STEM education opportunities that are supportive and inclusive for all students is crucial for boosting diversity in the profession.

“This event seeks to inspire and celebrate high-quality STEM learning happening across the city’s public schools,” shared Giana Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of Camden Education Fund. “Early exposure to STEM education can help close the diversity gap in the field and students’ career trajectories, and we hope Camden’s first citywide STEM Showcase can be a part of that.”

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is thrilled to be part of Camden’s first citywide STEM Showcase,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We recognize the importance of introducing STEM to children at an early age, and we are proud to support this event through the Foundation’s One Water Street Grant Program. We hope that this event will inspire more Camden students to develop an interest in STEM as they grow.”

WHO:

• Giana Campbell, CEO, Camden Education Fund
• Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation
• Grand Hank, Master Scientist and Television Personality
• State Superintendent Katrina McCombs
• School Leaders
• 150-200 Students

WHEN:

Friday, March 21
10:15 – 11:15 am
(Full event is 10am – 1pm)

WHERE:

1725 Park Blvd at The Majorie and Lewis Katz Community Center
(Former Boys & Girls Club – Parkside)

ADDITIONAL VISUALS:

• The Science Lab of Grand Hank – Live Science Demonstration
• Student-led visuals/projects including:
  • Coding a robot to play basketball
  • Coding LEGO pieces to build an interactive carnival
  • Designing and building an egg catcher
  • Miniature golf carts designed to real scale
  • Robotics demonstration in the pool

ABOUT CAMDEN EDUCATION FUND:

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 include schools, non-profits, and universities.