Youth Initiatives

Newark’s youngest residents, particularly in the Central Ward, have long faced a shortage of recreational opportunities and other programs that keep them productively engaged.

One of NCC’s top priorities is running and developing programs that assist our young people in becoming productive, healthy adults.

NCC’s educational and recreational programs help Central Ward youngsters stay off the streets and grow into responsible adults who are prepared to become the leaders of tomorrow.NCC’s after-school, summer and recreational programs serve hundreds of young people throughout the year.

The after-school programs provide recreational and educational opportunities in safe, supervised environments. One such program is a highly successful partnership with the Newton Street School, a Newark public elementary school attended largely by children who live in New Community housing. In addition, an after-school program affiliated with the New Horizons Community Charter School is run every day at the NCC Neighborhood Recreation Center, located across Hayes Street from the school. The two after-school programs serve more than 200 children.

High school students are served by the Newark Youth Leadership Program, a partnership that runs after-school and summer programs. Teens have also been served by the T.R.U.S.T. (Teens Requiring Unlimited Successful Tomorrows) Program involving extensive mentoring by adults, presentations and educational workshops, and recreational trips.

NCC’s Online Youth Village, a partnership with Lucent Technologies, is an internet-based community linking young people enrolled in after-school and community-based programs in Newark. Village members include middle school and high school youth enrolled in NCC after-school programs.

Hundreds of young people participate in the Saturday Plus Program of trips and activities that includes youth between the ages of four and sixteen years as well as their parents.

NCC’s Summer Camp, also held at the Neighborhood Recreation Center on Hayes Street, reaches more than 100 children with a program supervised by skilled, caring adults. The Summer Camp, which serves many children that would otherwise lack structured, positive recreational opportunities during the summer months, includes educational and recreational activities as well as cultural and recreational outings.

During the summer months, teenagers participate in the Teen Earn and Learn program, an undertaking that combines summer jobs with educational opportunities.

For more information, please contact Frances Teabout: (973) 973 286-3304 or send an email to fteabout@newcommunity.org