ABOUT URBANPROMISE
Our mission is to equip Camden’s children and young adults with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management, spiritual growth, and Christian leadership.
UrbanPromise
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
UrbanPromise is a community-based nonprofit that serves 700 children and teens each year. We seek to fulfill our mission through AfterSchool programs, Summer Camps, two private schools, teen job training, and experiential learning. Our programs have inspired replications of more than twenty-five sites around the country and across the globe. Affiliate sites operate in the U.S., Canada, Honduras, five African countries, and more continue to be created.
Our Programs
CamdenForward School
K-8th Grade
An elementary and middle school for K-8th grade students, CamdenForward School offers 110+ students per year a rigorous academic curriculum and unique arts and extracurricular activities. With a learning environment rich in love, hope, and structure, the school challenges students to attain high academic standards, learn necessary life skills, maintain personal integrity, and develop a Christian worldview.
UrbanPromise Academy
9th-12th Grade
The UrbanPromise Academy high school fulfills the needs of students who have not met their potential in traditional school settings. In addition to its emphasis on community service and experiential and expeditionary learning, the Academy offers Camden youth a family-style learning environment and a low teacher-to-student ratio. It boasts a nearly 90% graduation rate with 87% of graduates transitioning into college (80%) or vocational training (7%) over the past six years.
StreetLeader Program
Job Training
Through UrbanPromise’s StreetLeader Program, 75–100 Camden-area teens are employed each year as counselors, tutors, and mentors for the children who attend our AfterSchool Programs
and Summer Camps. In addition to job training, StreetLeaders participate in academic enrichment, one-on-one tutoring, college preparation activities, and community service. The program’s focus on achievement has led to a 100% graduation rate among seniors; 95% of graduates transitioning into college (89%) or to vocational training (6%).
AfterSchool Program & Summer Camp
K-8th Grade
AfterSchool Programs and Summer Camps were UrbanPromise’s first programs in the City of Camden. During the academic year, approximately 200 children attend one of four AfterSchool Programs and 400 participate in our six-week Summer Camps located in four city neighborhoods. Within a safe and stimulating environment, children create positive relationships with caring adults and participate in activities such as arts and crafts, Bible study, recreation, life skills workshops, academic enrichment, and community service.
UrbanTrekkers
Experiential Learning
UrbanTrekkers offers hands-on learning and journey-based experiences to 100 Camden area youth each year. Through travel to places beyond their everyday lives, youth are motivated to learn more about themselves and the world around them and to develop their potential as young leaders. Each trip is focused around participants’ cross-cultural experiences, environmental awareness, historical knowledge, and community service.
Wellness Program
Trauma Informed Wellness
The mission of the Wellness Department is
to reduce the impact of toxic stress on our community, thus providing the opportunity for optimal well-being of body, mind, and spirit. Our Wellness team trains UrbanPromise staff
to recognize signs of trauma; offers counseling to youth, families and staff; promotes healthy habits; and provides unique education programs encouraging creativity and well-being.