Press Release: Camden Education Fund Awards $25,000 To Big Picture Academy to Conclude the 2024 FAFSA Challenge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Jubelirer, 215-840-8390, jjubelirer@bellevuepr.com
Camden, NJ [June 24, 2024] – The Camden Education Fund today awarded $25,000 to the Big
Picture Learning Academy at their high school graduation ceremony, crowning them as the local
winners of the 2nd annual FAFSA Challenge. In addition, Newark will be awarded an additional $10,000
to distribute to their participating schools as the winning city in the competition against Camden.
The 2024 “FAFSA Challenge” kicked off in January with a friendly competition between Camden and
Newark to empower local students and fuel higher education aspirations. The challenge was endorsed
at dueling press conferences by Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, with
the goal to increase Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates and open doors
to postsecondary success.
“Congratulations to Big Picture Learning Academy for winning the 2024 FAFSA Challenge,” said Giana
Campbell, Executive Director, Camden Education Fund.”And while we are obviously disappointed not
to win the citywide award, we want to congratulate all those in Camden and in Newark who worked
together to increase FAFSA completion rates this year.”
“Partnering with the Camden Education Fund and competing with the City of Newark for this year’s
citywide FAFSA challenge was another worthwhile way to challenge our students to apply for vital
funds to make attending college financially easier,” said Victor Carstarphen, Mayor, City of Camden. “I
am proud to celebrate Big Picture Learning Academy and all those who participated and are working to
support the next generation of students achieve a successful future.”
While Camden did not win the overall challenge, the Camden Education Fund recognized the top five
schools in Camden City as: Big Picture Learning Academy, Camden High School, Creative Arts High
School, Medical Arts High School, and Camden Prep High School.
We want to recognize all the educators, staff, and students who persevered through some obstacles
this year to get their FAFSA completed,” says Katrina McCombs, Superintendent, Camden City School
District. “This is now just the beginning, we are rooting for you as you head into your next chapter of
education, and know that you will make Camden proud!”
FAFSA completion rates decreased across the country compared to previous years, largely due to
issues associated with trying to simplify the FAFSA application this year by the federal Department of
Education. Despite these challenges, it remains essential for all high school seniors to complete their
FAFSA to access financial aid for college and technical programs.
Although the competition is over, seniors who have not yet completed their FAFSA are strongly
encouraged to do so.
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. Learn more at https://camdenedfund.org/.
