How Camden schools plan to employ, assist city residents

Camden residents will be guaranteed an interview for positions they are qualified to fill.

CAMDEN -- School district officials joined city leaders Monday to announce a handful of new "community benefit agreements" that will -- in part -- give Camden residents employment opportunities.

Under the plan, city-based renaissance schools will commit additional resources to family programming and give preference to local residents for jobs and other contracts.

"Today's agreements are another positive step forward in this important mission and build on the significant work renaissance schools already have underway," said Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard. "I appreciate the educators and the community leaders coming together to support these opportunities that will benefit students, families, and residents all over Camden."

Renaissance schools KIPP, Mastery and Camden Prep will guarantee an interview with city residents who are qualified to fill open positions. The renaissance schools will also offer adult education classes, including financial literacy workshops and legal seminars.

School officials added that KIPP will coordinate volunteer projects intended to benefit the Lanning Square and Cooper Plaza neighborhoods as well as establish a school-based resource center providing computer access to local residents.

Mastery is slated to provide cancer-screening workshops for women within the school and surrounding area as well as make its gym available for community events. Further, Camden Prep will partner with United Neighbors of Whitman Park and other service-oriented organizations to host a number of annual community events.

"Great neighborhood public schools are a foundation of strong communities," said Mayor Dana Redd. "We welcome the renaissance school partners' ongoing commitment to opening their doors outside of school hours to the communities they serve. Working together, we can provide young people and their families with the activities, supports, and resources necessary to thrive

School district officials said the initiatives announced Monday is within the second phase of the Camden Commitment, a five-part plan launched in 2014 that targets safety, satisfaction and structural goals.