Supporting Camden Youth, Strengthening Communities: Rutgers–Camden Partnership Celebrates Three Years of Impact

The partnership has strengthened five Camden community centers through resident-driven programming, youth enrichment initiatives, and expanded access to university resources.

A community center can be more than a place to gather—it can be a place to learn, connect, and grow. That is especially true for five neighborhood community centers in Camden, New Jersey, that have developed programming and opportunities for residents thanks to a unique partnership between Rutgers University–Camden and the City of Camden.

Created with $1.4 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Representative Donald Norcross in 2023, the Rutgers University–Camden Community Partnership Centers have expanded opportunities for city residents through youth enrichment programs, resident-driven activities, and access to university resources. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration to strengthen Camden communities.

“At Rutgers–Camden, we believe our greatest impact comes from working alongside our neighbors to create opportunities that help communities thrive,” said Nyeema Watson, senior vice chancellor for institutional strategy and engagement at Rutgers–Camden. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in Camden’s residents and neighborhoods, and we are grateful for the collaboration of the City of Camden and the support of Congressman Norcross, whose advocacy has helped make this work possible. Together, we are expanding access to resources, enriching opportunities for youth and families, and strengthening the community connections that make Camden such a vibrant city.”

At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to making Camden’s community centers more accessible and responsive spaces for the communities they serve. Over the past year, the initiative has continued to build on prior years' progress by supporting 20 special interest programs that offered residents opportunities to participate in educational workshops, health and wellness initiatives, and other programming shaped by community needs.

The initiative also helped make 10 community events possible, with more than 80 Rutgers–Camden volunteers contributing over 115 hours of service. Additionally, the initiative strengthened the network of professionals serving Camden youth by bringing together nearly 40 representatives from the city, Rutgers–Camden's Division of Impact and Community Engagement (DICE), and other youth-serving organizations for professional development and collaborative learning.

The initiative invests in Camden's next generation through year-round academic enrichment and mentorship programs for children and teens. Through the Rutgers Accelerate & Renew Academy (RARA), the partnership provides more than 60 hours of academic and social-emotional learning support for students in grades 2–8, strengthening literacy and math skills, and overall well-being. Summer recreation programming expands these efforts, serving approximately 200 youth with enrichment activities, mentorship, field trips, and academic support delivered through collaboration among Rutgers–Camden, the City of Camden, the Camden YMCA, and RARA AmeriCorps members.

“Our partnership with Rutgers University–Camden strengthens the City’s commitment to providing Camden youth with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed,” said Dorri Brown, chief of staff for Mayor Victor Carstarphen and director of human services. “Through our youth programs, Rutgers–Camden brings valuable educational resources, mentorship, and enrichment activities that complement the recreation and academic support we provide. This collaboration allows us to create a well-rounded experience for our young people while connecting them with positive role models and opportunities that can help prepare them for their future.”

“What makes this partnership so meaningful is that its impact extends far beyond the programs themselves,” said Daniel Fidalgo Tomé, director of community engagement for Rutgers–Camden. “We see it in the confidence students gain, the relationships families build with their community centers, the professional growth of staff and AmeriCorps members, and the pride volunteers take in giving back. When we invest in our neighborhoods and the people who serve them, we're creating stronger communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

What began as an investment in community centers has grown into an investment in the people and communities of Camden. 

As the initiative enters its fourth year, the partnership continues to demonstrate how sustained investment, shared leadership, and community-driven programming can expand opportunity and improve quality of life. Together, this initiative is ensuring that Camden's community centers remain vibrant neighborhood hubs where residents of all ages can learn, connect, and thrive.