K–12 Education Partnerships

Rutgers University Camden serves Camden City K-12 students and families seeking engaging and rigorous educational experiences, both during and outside of the school day, that will provide a pathway to higher education. From afterschool and tutoring initiatives to pre-college school year and summer programs, K-12 education partnerships help prepare Camden youth for post-secondary success.

Education Initiatives

The Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement’s K–12 Education Partnerships focus on leveraging University resources to create academically enriching programming for students in grades 3 through 12. These programs create educational pathways to increase the number of underrepresented students from the city of Camden who apply, enroll, and successfully complete post-secondary education.

Rutgers-Camden Schools Partnership Program (RU IGNITE)

The Rutgers–Camden Schools Partnership Program (RU IGNITE) is a collaboration between Rutgers University–Camden and the Camden City School District. The partnership serves over 200 3rd-8th grade students and their families during out of school time programming. IGNITE is a 21st Century Community Learning Center and is in its 3rd 5-year cycle being funded through the NJDOE. It uses a university-assisted community schools approach.

Rutgers Accelerate & Renew Academy (RARA)

The Rutgers Accelerate & Renew Academy (RARA) is a tutoring and mentoring program empowering school students in Camden City. RARA addresses the learning loss that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to provide students with high-quality academic support and social-emotional growth.

Hill Family Center for Access

Providing the support and guidance needed to students and their families, the Hill Center helps to ensure access to and preparation for success in college. 

Rutgers Future Scholars

The Rutgers Future Scholars Program introduces economically disadvantaged, academically promising middle school students from Rutgers’ four host communities—New Brunswick, Piscataway, Newark, and Camden—to the promise and opportunities of a college education.