Community Corner

Summer Fun Fest In Newark Helps Curb Vacation Learning Loss

Sometimes the best way to combat the "summer slide" for students is with a whole lot of fun.

NEWARK, NJ — Sometimes the best way to combat the “summer slide” for students is with a whole lot of fun.

BRICK Education Network and South Ward Promise Neighborhood (SWPN) recently hosted a “Summer Fun Fest” for Newark families to help prevent summer learning loss and promote a healthy, safe break. About 400 community members turned out to celebrate at the Clinton Avenue Amphitheater, where they enjoyed food, music and games.

With an eye to the upcoming school year, BRICK Education Network and SWPN distributed free Nike athletic wear to the students. Free backpacks full of workbooks and educational reading materials were also distributed at the event.

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“Along with South Ward Promise Neighborhood, we were able to give students the tools they need to curb summer learning loss, while having a fun and productive summer,” founder and CEO Dominique Lee said.

“Our Summer Fun Fest event was a great opportunity to bring community members together and encourage them to have a safe and healthy summer break,” agreed Nichelle Holder, chief program officer at South Ward Promise Neighborhood.

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Photo courtesy of BRICK Education Network / South Ward Promise Neighborhood

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