District Project
We're thrilled to reintroduce NJ Key Club's District Project, "Education is the Key." This initiative strives to address educational disparities in New Jersey and provide access to quality education for children from all backgrounds and abilities.
While New Jersey is among the top states for education quality, many economically disadvantaged students have experienced significant learning loss. The more access children have to learning tools, the more likely they are to thrive academically. However, economically disadvantaged students are deprived of these resources. On average, students of low-income households are five years behind the literacy rates of students of higher-income families in the United States.¹ A study conducted during the 2021-2022 school year estimated 393,000 students in English Language Arts and 430,000 students in grades 3-8 across New Jersey would perform below grade level
This focus on education allows us to work towards narrowing the learning gap resulting from social and economic inequity exacerbated by COVID-19. The project aims to provide increased access to books and learning tools to foster children's motivation to fulfill their potential in core subjects such as literacy, math, history, and science.
To accomplish our goals, we are partnering with the following service organizations and preferred charities:
- Erika's Lighthouse: A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among teenagers. For more information, please visit their website at https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/.
- Schoolhouse: An organization that offers free tutoring resources to students worldwide. Students can also join and become tutors helping others in need. To learn more about the program, visit https://schoolhouse.world/key-club.
- Start Strong: Zambia by UNICEF: This project aims to raise funds for building schools and purchasing educational materials for children in Zambia. Additional information can be found at https://www.unicefusa.org/about-unicef-usa/partnerships/humanitarian-organizations/kiwanis-international.
- Thirst Project: A dedicated organization striving to provide clean water to communities worldwide. Key Club members can participate in fundraising events and campaigns organized by Thirst Project. Additionally, you can invite a Thirst Project representative to be a guest speaker at your next event or even consider a service trip with them. For more information, visit https://thirstproject.org/get-involved/.
To support our project, we have outlined the following action items:
Fundraise:
- Participate in Trick or Treat for UNICEF.
- Organize an event at your school to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood development.
Advocate for policy change
- Stay updated with policy developments concerning education in New Jersey.
- Collaborate with local organizations and policymakers to address educational disparities.
Provide Resources:
- Organize an educational event to support the youth in your community (e.g. reading to elementary schoolers, tutoring middle and elementary students, hosting reading sessions at your local library, etc.)
- Host a book or educational supply drive to donate those resources to institutions that need them.
- Tutor fellow students in the middle and elementary schools across your school district.
Let's work together to ensure the success and bright future of all children in New Jersey!