2025 Awards
Congratulations to our 2025 Summer Youth Reimbursement Grant recipients! The Partnership for a Healthier JC teamed up with the Jersey City Department of Recreation and Youth Services to award #HealthierJC Partner organizations with summer programs in the arts, STEM, STEAM, leadership training, sports, and essential life-skills development for youth in Jersey City. The recipients are listed below.
Academic Excellence, A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation - $10,000
The Camp DREAM program bridges the summer learning gap for Jersey City youth, particularly from low to moderate-income families. The program combines academic enrichment with hands-on STEAM and arts activities, fostering creativity and confidence. Rooted in the values of determination, respect, education, art, and music, it nurtures well-rounded growth in a safe, supportive environment.
AMPD'T INK - $7,670
Expressions of the Heart Through Art is a one-day youth wellness event that blends creativity with mental health awareness. Designed for Jersey City youth ages 10–17, the event encourages emotional expression through art, music, movement, and storytelling. Centered on the theme “Connect, Create, Collaborate,” it promotes self-expression, community, and well-being. Interactive workshops and wellness talks provide youth with practical tools for healing in a fun and affirming space.
AngelaCARES - $6,780
Bridging Generations Through Art is an 8-week summer program that connects senior citizens and youth (ages 12–18) through collaborative art-making. Using painting, music, storytelling, and digital media, participants share experiences and spark creative expression across generations. In partnership with local senior centers and youth groups, the program fosters meaningful dialogue and strengthens community bonds.
Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County - $10,000
Youth Summer Enrichment Program is a 4-week initiative that empowers Jersey City youth ages 8–18 through dynamic workshops, creative arts, and mentorship. Centered on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and violence prevention, the program fosters leadership, personal growth, and resilience. With hands-on learning, career readiness, and community service, it builds confidence and inspires a brighter, more peaceful future.
https://antiviolencecoalition.org/
Athletes for a Better Community, Inc. - $10,000
The 2025 Summer Camp is a free six-week summer camp for 65 Jersey City children, ages 7–13, from low-income families. The program supports physical health, mental wellness, social responsibility, and emotional growth through sports, arts, STEM, and creative activities. With family involvement and inspiring guest speakers, the camp fosters healthy, confident youth and a strong sense of community.
Bergen Hill Park Association - $2,730
The 8-week Summer Enrichment Program offers Jersey City youth ages 7–18 a blend of physical wellness, creative expression, and emotional resilience. Held outdoors at Bergen Hill Park, the program features weekly youth yoga, digital art workshops, and art therapy sessions. Each activity is designed to promote mindfulness, self-expression, and healing. Inclusive and trauma-informed, the program nurtures mental health and empowers youth through movement, creativity, and connection.
https://www.bergenhillpark.org/
Caring Capable Hands Inc - $6,954.90
The 2025 Summer Empowerment Program is an 8-week initiative for Jersey City youth ages 7–18. Through workshops, creative arts, and weekly field trips, the program offers a safe, supportive space where participants develop life skills, explore leadership, and engage in healing. Developed to counter challenges commonly faced by urban youth, the program fosters personal growth, confidence, and community connection.
https://www.caringcapablehands.org/
Common Courts For Kids - $7,170
Empowering Future Leaders Through Summer Basketball & Life Skills is a five-week, community-centered program launching July 2nd for up to 25 Jersey City youth. Held Wednesday evenings at the Sacred Heart Recreation Center, the program blends elite basketball training from renowned coach Sandy Pyonin with the “Ten Terms To Success®” life skills curriculum to build confidence, character, and resilience. With high school students serving as assistant coaches, it also nurtures leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement.
Deliverance Children's Ministry Inc. - $10,000
Rose Avenue Urban Farm aims to promote sustainable agriculture and healthy living within the Greenville neighborhood. Through hands-on gardening, youth programs, and workshops, young people from 4 to 24 years old gain access to fresh produce and learn eco-friendly practices. The farm partners with schools, nonprofits, and volunteers to foster community engagement, reduce food waste, and build a healthier future.
eCode Learning Center - $9,500
eCode Learning Center’s Summer Program delivers hands-on STEM learning for kids ages 8–12, while offering paid internships for teens as youth leaders. Held at local libraries and PS15, the program covers coding, robotics, and digital storytelling. Teen interns support instruction, mentor youth, and build real-world skills—benefiting both age groups through a fun, educational summer experience.
https://ecodelearningcenter.org/
Educational Arts Team - $10,000
The Camp Liberty program is a summer day camp for children ages 6–12, located in Liberty State Park, Jersey City. Campers enjoy a wide range of activities—from theater and visual arts to sports and swimming—all while unplugging from technology and engaging with nature. Rooted in creativity and critical thinking, Camp Liberty fosters personal growth, confidence, and lifelong memories.
https://www.educationalartsteam.org/
Enosis the Leadership Network - $7,700
The Youth Power-Up Boost Camp is a free 3-day program for Jersey City youth ages 8–18, focused on leadership, confidence, and communication. Through themed workshops, games, and challenges, participants build skills in a fun, supportive setting—culminating in a showcase celebration. https://enosistheleadershipnetwork.org/
Gotta Go Gaming Hub - $10,000
The Summer Enrichment Program is a free, 6-week, full-day experience for Jersey City youth ages 7–18, running July 8–August 15. Blending eSports with STEAM, students explore coding, robotics, animation, digital arts, and virtual reality through themed weekly activities. The program fosters creativity, leadership, and wellness in an inclusive environment—culminating in a final showcase of student projects and innovations.
Greater Neighborhood Alliance - $7,460
The Empower for Life Skills Success Program is a life skills program for youth ages 13–18, designed to prepare them for adulthood, careers, and personal growth. Through interactive workshops, real-world activities, and guest speakers, students gain essential skills in financial literacy, communication, career readiness, wellness, and leadership—building confidence and a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Greenville Community Leaders - $10,000
Greenville Community summer camp will host a free 8-week summer camp for Jersey City youth ages 8–14, from July 1 to August 31, 2025. Serving 20–25 students, the program combines academic support, arts, games, leadership workshops, and weekly field trips—led by local tutors and mentors. With a focus on enrichment and confidence-building, the camp helps students return to school engaged and prepared. https://www.healthierjc.com/partners/greenville-community-leaders-jersey-city
Henry Snyder High School Alumni Association - $3,235
The Spring Break Clean-Up Program builds on the alumni association's annual initiative by expanding student involvement in creating and maintaining a school flower garden. It fosters environmental stewardship, teamwork, and school pride, while also offering students opportunities to earn community service credit and enjoy added perks, such as lunch and T-shirts.
Higher Hopes - $10,000
The summer camp program provides a therapeutic experience for children ages 7–18 with behavioral and mental health challenges. It combines structured support with recreational activities to promote emotional growth, social development, and positive coping skills. The program also engages families through workshops and resources to extend the impact beyond camp. https://www.healthierjc.com/partners/hopes-community-action-partnership-inc-community-action
Hudson County 4-H Advisory Board - $2,345
The Youth Urban Farm Club is a summer program for ages 12–18 that teaches sustainable agriculture through hands-on learning at Jersey City community gardens. Youth gain skills in gardening, composting, and animal care, while earning service hours, building leadership, and presenting their own site-based projects.
http://instagram.com/hudsoncounty4h/
Hudson Pride Center - $7,130
The Life Skills Enhancement Program offers LGBTQ+ youth a series of weekly workshops and one social outing from July to August 2025. Through interactive sessions on life skills, gender expression, wellness, and financial literacy, youth gain tools for adulthood while building confidence, community, and resilience. Each session offers LGBTQ+ informed learning and peer connection in a safe, affirming space.
Huff and Puff Sounds COFA - $7,290
The COFA Summer Music Program offers an intensive six-week arts curriculum where students create and perform in a musical showcased at Jersey City festivals. Held Monday to Friday, it includes morning sessions in music and vocals and afternoon sessions in dance and theater—offering a well-rounded, creative experience.
https://www.conservatoryoffineartsnj.org/
HuntersWorld - $7,200
The Peer Mentor Training program equips youth with eight weeks of summer training built around 12 core leadership themes. Using videos, discussions, guest speakers, and interactive activities, participants develop the skills to lead peer-led meetings throughout the year.
Institute for Peace and Transformative Healing - $3,536.50
Flip the Script: Summer Art Studio is a 6-week youth program in Jersey City that combines creative expression, narrative themes, and trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support mental health and emotional growth. Through art-making and empowerment activities, the program helps young people build resilience, reframe their experiences, and foster healing in a supportive, therapeutic environment.
Islamic Center of Jersey City - $6,870
Green Genius II Summer School is a program for immigrant elementary students focused on climate change and environmental problem-solving. Through readings, videos, public speaking, and weekly field trips to local green spaces, students build knowledge, confidence, and a deeper connection to the environment.
Jackie Robinson LL/RBI baseball - $6,250
The Summer Little League Program offers structured baseball activities for youth in urban communities, promoting teamwork, fitness, and confidence. With T-ball for girls and boys ages 4–7, Boys Baseball for ages 8–12, and Senior Boys/RBI for ages 13–18, the program helps young athletes build skills, stay active, and form lasting community connections.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Jersey-City-Jackie-Robinson-Little-League-RBI/100063889152209/
Jersey City Police Athletic League - $10,000
The Jersey City PAL Summer Youth Camp is an exciting and enriching 8-week program designed to provide a safe, structured, and empowering environment for youth ages 6 to 14. With a strong focus on character development, community engagement, and relationship building, the camp offers a diverse mix of sports, outdoor recreation, creative arts, field trips, and educational enrichment activities. http://thejcpal.org/
Jersey City Public Library - $10,000
The Summer Learning Program (SLP) is a six-week, all-ages initiative focused on promoting literacy, creativity, and community connection through the theme “COLOR OUR WORLD.” Running from June 23 to August 8, the program offers story hours, STEM activities, book clubs, crafts, performances, and more for children, teens, and adults. Participants track their reading progress online and can earn incentives like raffle entries and field trips.
Jersey City Theater Center Inc - $7,870
Write and Share Your Story is a six-week youth arts program in Jersey City that empowers young people through storytelling, theater, and cultural exploration. Guided by professional artists, participants use writing, acting, and multimedia to express their experiences and values. With tailored sessions for at-risk and disabled youth, the program fosters creativity, confidence, and connection—culminating in a community performance that celebrates self-expression and inclusion.
Jump4Jerry a NJ Non Profit- $7,960
The Jump Into Literacy Program blends reading and writing with the art of Double Dutch to boost literacy, physical fitness, and social-emotional growth. Children engage in story-inspired jump rope activities and work together to create and illustrate their own chapter book. The program fosters leadership, teamwork, and confidence—making learning active, creative, and fun.
https://www.healthierjc.com/partners/jump4jerry-health-education-through-sports-and-physical-fitness
Kismet of Kings - $7,530
The Kismet of Kings Summer Program empowers Black and Brown boys ages 11–18 in Jersey City by addressing systemic inequalities through financial literacy, mentorship, trauma-informed care, and culturally relevant education. It fosters economic mobility, career readiness, and violence prevention while building leadership, academic growth, and community pride.
https://www.kismetofkings.org/
Liberty Science Center - $10,000
The 2025 Science Camp Scholarship offers underserved Jersey City middle school children a free week of hands-on STEM learning. With themes like chemistry, robotics, and coding, students gain real-world skills while building creativity, confidence, and social connection in a fun, supportive environment.
Miracle Resource Center/ Miracle Temple Church - $3,840
The Cultural Awareness Program supports teens' personal and spiritual growth through meaningful activities such as music, drama, and service-oriented day trips to senior homes. It encourages creativity, compassion, and a deeper sense of community responsibility.
https://www.healthierjc.com/partners/miracle-temple-pentecostal-church-religious
Most Excellent Way Learning Life Center - $10,000
Words of Wisdom: Building Readers, Building Leaders is a phonic-based summer reading program for boys ages 8–12 that combines literacy instruction with character development. Through engaging, evidence-based activities, the program strengthens reading skills while teaching critical thinking, decision-making, and conflict resolution—empowering participants to succeed academically and in life.
https://www.mostexcellentwaylifecenter.com/
New Jersey City University Foundation - $10,000
The NJCU STEAM Academy is a five-week summer program for high-achieving middle and high school students from underserved communities. Held at New Jersey City University, it offers hands-on STEAM learning, college prep, and career exploration. Students engage in labs, projects, and cultural enrichment, building skills for academic and future success.
New Jersey Scarlet Knights (NJ Knights Elite) - $10,000
The Elite Summer Camp will be conducted for 150-225 Jersey City youth, ages 5 to 14. Between football practice and games, coaching sessions and workshops, participants engage in 18-20 hours of physical conditioning, academic reinforcement, mentorship, and health education each week.
New Life Dream Academy - $10,000
The Summer Day Camp, designed for Jersey City youth ages 5 to 13, is an 8-week program that provides academic, recreational, and creative activities that promote youth development. Campers participate in weekly outings for swimming, bowling, roller skating, and local museums, as well as workshops in painting, drawing, sewing, podcasting, and building positive lifestyle habits.
https://www.newlifedreamacademy.com/
Philippine American Friendship Community, Inc (PAFCOM, Inc) - $6,630
The Youth Culinary Program offers 1-2 hour virtual cooking lessons for children aged 10 to 18. Over seven weeks, local Jersey City chefs and business owners guide young participants in creating healthy dishes at home. If needed, the program provides participants with needed ingredients, and hosts a picnic to showcase acquired culinary skills and meals they have learned to prepare.
Project 201 Inc - $5,522.40
The Project 201 Football Fundamentals Program is a co-ed summer initiative for Jersey City youth ages 7–18. The program focuses on non-contact football training, teamwork, mentorship, and character development. Sessions are conducted in Lincoln Park West on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5 PM to 8 PM, over 8 weeks.
Riverview Community Garden - $3,361.50
The organization is conducting two summer programs concurrently: the 4H Youth Urban Farm Club for kids ages 12-18, and the Learning Garden for ages 3-10. Both programs teach youngsters about organic farming practices, environmental stewardship, and community responsibility by donating fresh produce to local charities and food pantries.
Roberto Clemente Little League of Jersey City - $4,068.75
The Roberto Clemente Little League of Jersey City offers a youth baseball program that serves children ages 4 to 18, providing structured athletic opportunities that emphasize physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Volunteer coaches and mentors teach the fundamentals of the sport while promoting respect, perseverance, and confidence.
https://robertoclementerbi.leagueapps.com/#view-menu
SAF - Save A Few - $7,670
Empowered for Life: Mind, Body & Purpose is a structured 6-week program designed for children ages 7 to 13. Each week focuses on the development of core life skills, including nutrition and wellness, fitness and mindful movement, positive social media engagement, setting goals, vision boards, and self esteem, leadership and entrepreneurship.
https://www.healthierjc.com/partners/saf-save-a-few-youth-family-and-community
SCK12 Kids Inc. - $7,930
SCK12 Kids Inc. is delivering a five-week summer program to strengthen foundational skills in reading, writing, and math for students in grades K through 6. In addition to core academics, students participate in a Robotics STEM workshop twice a week, introducing basic engineering, coding, and problem-solving skills.
SCORES Reentry - $10,000
Shine Through: A Summer of Story, Strength & Self is an 8-week trauma-informed program for youth ages 9-13 who have been impacted by parental incarceration. This program seeks to strengthen the emotional resilience of young people dealing with loss, grief, shame, and stigma. Participants are provided therapeutic support, an outlet for creative expression, academic enrichment, and summer fun.
She Is Incorporated - $7,530
The She Is Well Summer Enrichment Program was developed to empower girls ages 7-18 in Jersey City. The underlying program theme in 2025 is “Health and Wellness is Wealth”. It was developed to help young girls develop life skills, explore leadership roles, engage in creative activities, and participate in STEM projects that promote physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
https://sheisunique126.wixsite.com/sheisincorporated
Styles House Inc. - $7,920
The Youth Center Summer Camp offers a safe and supportive environment where young individuals aged 13-19 can explore new interests, develop essential life skills, and build lasting relationships. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, educational workshops, field trips, and community engagement opportunities.
Surati for Performing Arts - $7,230
"The Illusion of Bollywood: From the Classics to the Current" is a summer program specifically designed for underserved Jersey City youth ages 8 –18. Participants will gain a more in-depth understanding of the cinematic evolution of Bollywood. The program covers dance (classical, folk, Bollywood fusion), the art of storytelling, creative workshops, and a student showcase performance.
Sustainable Jersey City - $7,370
In collaboration with the Rose Avenue Urban Farm, 15 teenagers from Jersey City participate in a Composting Workshop Program that promotes healthy and environmentally friendly farming practices. Over the course of four workshops spanning three months, the program covers various composting methods, monitoring processes, and the essential ingredients necessary to maintain a sustainable urban composting system.
https://www.sustainablejc.org/
Team Walker Inc - $7,280
Over a five-week period, the Summer STEAM Program provides hands-on, engaging learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The program seeks to spark curiosity, build critical skills, and help Jersey City youth stay academically and socially on track during the summer months.
Team Wilderness - $6,770
The Summer Photo Program offers Jersey City youth an immersive photography experience. Over five days, participants begin each day learning the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and image storytelling. In the afternoons, they explore Jersey City to take photos in urban and natural settings. The program concludes with instruction in Adobe Lightroom for digital editing, enabling them to create a professional portfolio.
https://www.teamwilderness.org/
Tertium Quid - $5,900
This initiative supports families with gender-expansive youth through an annual weekend retreat and regular virtual meetups. The retreat offers workshops for parents and a stress-free space for youth, fostering understanding and lasting community bonds. Virtual sessions give parents a space to share and youth a chance to connect socially. With grant support, they plan to add a Jersey City family outing in July to strengthen local connections and support networks.
The BUILD Foundation Inc - $10,000
The Healthy Body – Wealthy Mind Program is an 8-week summer enrichment program for Jersey City youth ages 7 to 18. It combines physical wellness with entrepreneurial education to empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in life and business.
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-BUILD-Foundation/100079623844871/?sk=about
The Kennedy Dancers Inc - $7,870
The Amazing Summer Dance Experience Program is a four-week initiative offering free dance programs to low-income children and teens aged 7-18 in Jersey City. The program includes instruction in various dance styles, outdoor activities, piano, acting, vocal lessons, and arts & crafts. Students can also showcase their performing arts talent through free performances in local park venues.
The Koinonia Network - $10,000
The Empower U Summer Program offers an eight-week summer curriculum that blends the arts, STEM/STEAM, sports, leadership training, and life skills workshops to engage, equip, and empower Jersey City youth. Serving youth ages 7–18 from underserved communities in Jersey City, this program provides a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for personal growth and development.
Together Towards Tomorrow - $4,260
A community-based initiative based in Jersey City, Together Towards Tomorrow introduces youth ages 10–16 to the game of golf while promoting character, discipline, and essential life skills. Participants receive the necessary golf equipment and learn the fundamentals, rules, and techniques of the sport through weekly instruction. The program also provides mentorship and developmental workshops, offering guidance and support both on and off the course.
https://togethertowardstmr.org/
TongYan Chinese School - $4,560
The TongYan 2025 Summer Enrichment Program is conducted over a 7-week period for Jersey City youth ages 8–13. The program offers structured classes in art, Chinese language and culture, dance, and fitness. The program provides a safe, engaging, and culturally informed space where children can grow academically, socially, and physically.
Triangle Park Community Center - $10,000
Triangle Park Community Center (TPCC) is offering a free summer program for underserved youth aged 4 to 18 in Jersey City. The program includes tutoring, arts programming, and outdoor sports. The grant will also contribute to funding a weekend camping trip, as well as a family beach day at Seaside Heights South Shore.
https://www.triangleparkcc.org/
Trinity Jersey City - $3,979.35
The goal of this summer program is to inspire, uplift, and empower underprivileged Jersey City youth aged 5-12 by exposing them to a range of positive life experiences. Planned activities include indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts, and a series of excursions to the beach, roller skating rink, bowling alley, movie theater, Cross Roads Camp, Liberty Science Center, and Medieval Times.
https://www.trinityjerseycity.com/
Urban League of Hudson County - $10,000
The Summer Enrichment and Recreation Program for Jersey City teens ages 13-18 includes five parks, city pools, crafts, board games, movies, and field trips to amusement parks, museums, zoos, and the Liberty Science Center. Students spend 1-2 hours a day in academic classes, which may include a guest speaker from The Institute for Relationship Intelligence on healthy relationships, diet, and exercise.
Vulcan Pioneers of NJ - $3,978
The Vulcan Pioneers of NJ Explorers Program is designed to educate young adults, ages 16-24, about a career in fire service. The baseline program engages young men and women through physical training, classroom coursework, and hands-on experience as a volunteer firefighter. Optional advanced instruction includes fire inspector classes, EMS training, and CPR certification.
Whole Spectrum Autism - $10,000
The Summer Enrichment Program is a free, inclusive day camp for 7 to 18-year-olds on the autism spectrum. In a secure, supportive, and engaging environment, campers can explore their creativity, develop social skills, and enjoy structured activities adapted to their needs. Teachers with neurodiverse experience lead weekly sessions in art, music, dance, sensory play, outdoor activities, and social-emotional learning.
https://wholespectrumautism.org/
Wonder Girls - $10,000
The Wonder Girls Summer Program builds leadership and confidence in Jersey City middle school girls from 11 to 16 years old. It is designed to prepare them for a successful transition into high school. Partnering with Dr. Lena Edwards' Academic Charter School and PS 6 Middle School, the program offers workshops on leadership, internet safety, self-esteem, team building, female empowerment, mentorship, and community service.
World Vegan Vision - $3,900
This program invites youth ages 14–20 to attend a screening of The Game Changers, a documentary film on nutrition, followed by the distribution of a book titled Power Foods for the Brain: An Effective 3-Step Plan to Protect Your Mind and Strengthen Your Memory. The goal is to raise awareness about nutrition, lifestyle-related diseases, food deserts, and the health risks associated with processed foods, fast food, and sugary beverages.
York Street Project - $10,000
The Summer After-Camp Program is designed for Jersey City children and youth aged 8 to 18, whose families are enrolled in York Street Project emergency shelters or transitional housing. The program will accommodate 30 children over six weeks, focusing on interactive STEAM activities, cooking classes, dance, and physical activities for health.
https://yorkstreetproject.org/
Youth Foundation of JC - $3,765
Art in the Park is an 8-week visual arts and crafts enrichment program at Camp Liberty. It offers Jersey City youth, aged 5-12, the opportunity to explore various art forms like painting, sculpting, mixed media, and recycled crafts. Each week focuses on a new art theme or technique, culminating in a camper-led art show for participant families and the community.
https://www.youthfoundationofjerseycity.org/
YPIE Jersey City - $7,500
The YPIE Summer program offers high school students standardized college entrance exam preparation, hands-on pre-career experiences, and an overnight college experience at St. Peter's University in Jersey City. The program is open to students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade at Abraham Lincoln High School and William L. Dickinson High School and is held at the YPIE College Zone center on St. Peter's campus.
https://www.ypie.org/jerseycity
Zion Cares Community Development Corporation - $10,000
Green Grass Living is a summer program for middle school youth aged 11-14. The "Green Grass Living" theme is a metaphor for growth and personal empowerment, alluding that success comes from watering one's own "grass". The program combines interactive community-based workshops with mentorship, financial literacy education, and social-emotional learning (SEL). It concludes with an overnight retreat at YMCA Camp Bernie in Port Murray, NJ.
To be eligible, you must join the Partnership for a HealthierJC.
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