Newark students participate in ‘Slam Dunk the Junk’ campaign

Earlier this month, 12 students from Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) joined forces with the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) to clean up a vacant lot on Astor Street in Newark’s South Ward. The cleanup was part of the city’s ‘Slam Dunk the Junk’ initiative.

The students, who are part of a young women’s leadership group led by GOLCS educator Kaylarose Scott, picked up trash, raked leaves, and revitalized the space to enhance their neighborhood. The group meets three times a week to develop leadership skills and positively impact their community through Social Emotional Learning (SEL), focusing on self-awareness, accountability, building community, and academic success.

“It feels good to be outside doing something productive for the community,” said GOLCS 10th grader Savani Robinson. “Not a lot of people take the time to clean up trash, so this really makes a difference. Plus, we’re having fun while doing it.”

Scott, a first-year educator, has seen tremendous progress in her students since starting the group two months ago. “We pair social impact with academics to make a difference,” she said. “One of my students is now on the honor roll, and another is close to reaching that goal. The group has been truly transformative.”

GOLCS 10th grader Omaiah Barrett shared how the group has helped her connect with classmates and learn about the different personalities and challenges people face. “This group has helped me open up and not be so closed off,” she said.

The cleanup was organized by LPCCD community organizer Warren R. Thompson Jr., in collaboration with the Newark Public Safety Collaborative (NPSC). Through the NPSC’s Data-Informed Community Engagement strategy, LPCCD works with Rutgers University - Newark to address high-need areas like Astor Street.

“This event teaches these young women about the importance of being part of a community,” Thompson said. “Learning this responsibility at a young age is crucial. As they grow older, they’ll understand the value of community involvement and the role they play in its well-being.”

Looking ahead, Scott hopes to continue making a positive impact through monthly community service projects with her students. “Getting the girls out in the community is extremely important,” she said. “They’ve never done something like this before and they’re really enjoying it. It is fostering their ability to come together as girls.”

Read the article on nj.com.