Centered on conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and violence prevention, the 2025 Youth Peace Builders Enrichment Program was conducted over a 4-week period for 20 Jersey City youth, ages 8–18. The Coalition collaborated with several Jersey City partner organizations, like New Hope and ShopRite, to build a comprehensive and intentional curriculum.

Attendees participated in sessions covering mindfulness & emotional wellness, physical fitness & nutrition, mentoring, self-defense, conflict de-escalation, and financial literacy. These sessions were complemented by creative expression workshops, local recreational outings, and community service projects.

“Before this summer, I didn’t think people in my community cared about us. Now I have mentors and friends who believe in me.”   – 16-year-old participant

Each week brought opportunities for students to express themselves, support one another, and reflect on their role in creating peaceful futures.

“I used to get into arguments with my friends a lot, but now I know how to talk it out instead. This program showed me I can be a leader and still be myself.”  – 14-year-old participant

Youth formed lasting friendships, gained confidence in their leadership potential, and strengthened their communication skills — both at home and among peers.

“My son came home every day excited to tell me what he learned. I’ve seen a big change in how he communicates with his siblings and friends.”  – Parent of a 13-year-old.

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The 2025 ABC Summer Camp brought together 59 children from across Jersey City for six weeks of growth, learning, and fun.

Campers enjoyed daily fitness routines at local parks, splash pads, and swimming facilities, building physical stamina and teamwork through relays and games. Workshops led by the Jersey City Department of Health & Human Services addressed mental health, self-esteem, and wellness, while creative sessions with the Jersey City Free Public Library, Community Awareness Series (CAS), and Uplifted Talent & Productions (UTAP) empowered children to express themselves through acting, improvisation, and writing.

To foster leadership skills, older campers (ages 12–13) were assigned as mentors and activity leaders for the younger children. And weekly field trips introduced participants to the Bronx Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and local Jersey City theaters.

The summer experience elicited positive feedback from both kids and their parents. “I love camp,” said Kylie, age 7.

Camp programming provided an engaging and holistic experience focused on physical health, mental wellness, leadership, cultural exposure, and community engagement.

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The 2025 Summer Empowerment Program brought together 25 youth to provide a safe, nurturing space for growth, healing, and leadership.

Throughout the summer, participants engaged in daily workshops, creative arts, team-building games, and trauma-informed sessions. Core activities included discussions on identity, body positivity, violence prevention, and mental health, as well as hands-on projects like painting, jewelry-making, journaling, and talent showcases. Guided counseling and Trauma to Peace Circles supported emotional wellness, while leadership activities encouraged goal-setting and peer mentoring.

A particularly meaningful session required kids to create vision boards filled with positive affirmations and words that the children chose to guide and inspire their lives. Youth openly discussed sensitive topics, built confidence, and developed coping skills.

One participant shared, “When we talked about body positivity, I realized I don’t have to change who I am to fit in. I learned to love myself more.” Another reflected, “The session on anxiety and depression showed me I wasn’t alone. Talking about it and doing meditation made me feel calmer and understood.”

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“Before this bootcamp, I didn’t see myself as a leader. Now I know my strengths and how I can use them to make an impact.” – 17-year-old participant

This free 3-day bootcamp for Jersey City youth ages 8–18 focused on building leadership, confidence, and communication skills. Each day focused on 3 core pillars of community leadership.

Leadership Identity & Self-Awareness started off the program. Students discovered their leadership style, built elevator pitches, and explored their personal strengths.

On day 2 with the focus on Emotional Wellness & Communication Skills, the group engaged in role-play, group challenges, and “Build Your Business” sessions helped participants learn conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and persuasive speaking.

Teamwork & Community Impact rounded out the bootcamp with kids participating in the Mini Model Activity, which pushed teams to design and present community-centered initiatives, addressing real issues in their neighborhoods — from youth safety to environmental justice.

Said one 16-year-old, “The Mini Model Activity made me feel like my ideas matter.”

As an investment in the next generation of community changemakers, participants were taught to use AI tools for note-taking and proposal writing, and the program distributed two laptops and monetary awards to students in need.

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“Learning to make my own video game in just a few weeks was amazing! I want to keep coding after this.” — Martha, age 12

With 25 participants ranging from ages 7 to 18, the 2025 Gotta Go Gaming Camp provided Jersey City youth with equitable access to advanced tools, instruction, and hands-on exposure to everything from coding and robotics to digital art and eSports.

Each week featured a new theme—such as Digital Citizenship, Animation, or Leadership—with activities delivered via hands-on workshops, collaborative labs, and field trips to local tech hubs and museums. The program culminated in a student showcase, attended by families and community partners.

The fundamental goals of the camp were to promote digital literacy, boost student confidence, foster mental wellness through mindfulness, encourage students to explore creative technology career paths, and narrow the technology access gap for underserved youth.

HealthierJC staff observed students using 3D printing technology to design and produce original robotic creations. It was impressive to see how effectively the teaching staff blended video gaming with STEAM education to create interactive and alternative learning experiences. The facility has a number of learning stations that are intended to inform, amuse, and expose young minds to cutting-edge technology.

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