Camden Education Fund Awards $385,000 to 21 City Youth-Service Organizations

June 22, 2022

CAMDEN, NJ - The Camden Education Fund announced that it has awarded $385,000 to local nonprofits through its Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) competitive grant program.  

Now in its second year, the YSO program provides operational and program funding to Camden-led nonprofit organizations serving youth aged 3-18. 

A total of 21 organizations received grants, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000. These organizations offer a wide range of supports to students including mentoring, mental health supports, opportunities in the arts, career exposure, and summer enrichment.  

“Youth-serving organizations create opportunities for students to explore their passions, develop self-confidence, and build meaningful and positive relationships,” said Camden Education Fund Executive Director Naeha Dean. “These organizations are essential to our shared vision of an educational system that inspires all students and prepares them for success after high school, and we are thrilled to support them through the YSO grant program.”

This year, youth-serving organizations applying for awards in higher tier were required to develop partnerships with local schools. Among the partner schools were Big Picture Learning Academy, Creative Arts High School, Mastery High School of Camden, KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy, and Freedom Prep Charter School.

Four organizations received this top award of $40,000: The Camden Dream Center, Rising Leaders Global, BOSS Mentoring, and Superior Arts Institute. 

Superior Arts Institute will utilize grant funds to expand its arts program and develop a student-led film production with Mastery High School of Camden, said its Executive Director Samir Nichols.