Press Release: Camden Education Fund Announces $10,000 Investment for Black Male Educators…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Theresa Spencer, 267-997-3354, tspencer@bellevuepr.com

Camden, New Jersey (November 13, 2023) – On Wednesday, November 15, Jonathan Garr, Director of School Investments of Camden Education Fund (CEF) will host a kickoff meet and greet and check presentation for 25 Camden school-based staff educators who will attend the 2023 Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC), to be held in Philadelphia. The meet and greet will be held at Sophie’s Lounge, 699 Central Ave. Camden, NJ 08104.

“Black educators, particularly Black male educators, are critical in the historically inequitable educational system and powerful role models and advocates for Black students and for all students, said Giana Campbell, executive director, Camden Education Fund. “The quality of a student’s teacher is the single most influential in-school factor in academic achievement and future life outcomes. It is important to have a teaching workforce that reflects the student population in our city. We are grateful to our partners at the Center for Black Educator Development for hosting the Black Men in Education Convening ensure that Black male educators have the support and resources to be successful.”

Research shows that Black boys who have at least one Black teacher are up to 39% less likely to drop out of school and if Black boys have one Black male teacher, they are 18% less likely to be identified as needing special education services – especially in communities that are under-resourced. What’s more, if Black students have two Black elementary school teachers, they are 29% more likely to go to college. Despite this compelling research and data, Black men make up only 2% of teachers in U.S.

“Like all other children, Camden children deserve an opportunity to become successful members of society. Role models are key to achieving that goal. Our children need educators who they can see themselves in, appreciate and respect their culture, and set high expectations,” said Vic Carstarphen, Mayor of City of Camden. I applaud Camden Education Fund and the Center for Black Educator Development for taking action and supporting Black male educators in reaching their full potential.”

To learn more about The Center for Black Educator Development, visit https://thecenterblacked.org/

WHO:

*Press ops available upon request

• Jonathan Garr, Director of School Investments, Camden Education Fund

• Iran Mercado, Lead Educator/Assistant Principal, Eastside High School

• Sharif El-Mekki, Founder/CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development

WHAT:

Kick-off Celebration and Check Presentation

WHERE:

Sophie’s Lounge

699 Central Ave.

Camden, NJ 08104

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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.

About The Center for Black Educator Development

The Center for Black Educator Development was founded in 2019 to address and accelerate change in the educational ecosystem. Its mission to rebuild the Black Teacher Pipeline to achieve educational equity and racial justice is achieved through the alignment of pathways into the profession, professional learning and public policies to ensure greater educator diversity, cultural responsiveness, and improved student outcomes for Black children.