Watch: He inspires kids but he’s inspired by a man of science

We asked a few members of the community who would they choose as their Black History hero, why that person inspired them, and what they wanted their own legacy to be.

And there were two caveats: They had to reveal the answer and explain in less than a minute and they couldn’t pick Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Simple enough, right? There was quite a diversity in their responses and we’ll show them to you this Black History Month.

Justin Artenant, senior manager, Newark Thrives!, United Way of Greater Newark works to ensure Newark students have access to safe and productive after school and summertime programs.

Artenant would like his legacy to be one that “inspires young leaders across the world to build more just and sustainable spaces for the future generations who come after us.”

His Black History hero is agricultural scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver, who developed hundreds of products using peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans.

Carver, who was born into slavery in 1864, earned a master’s degree in agricultural science from Iowa State University. He taught and conducted research at Tuskegee University for many years.

STEM “Fun for Everyone” Party

The Arman Roy Foundation is thrilled to invite the Newark community to the second annual STEM “Fun for Everyone” Party. This free event is in celebration of the spirit of Arman Roy and will share the gift of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math with youth of all ages.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 16, from 1 p.m. – 3:30 pm. at the Boys & Girls Club of Newark (1 Avon Avenue, Newark, NJ 07901). Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various STEM activities, including robotics, coding, 3D printing, virtual reality experiences, and more. The event promises excitement with contests, prizes, free giveaways and snacks for everyone.

Interested individuals can secure their spot at the STEM Party by completing the online registration form: Sign-up Form.

The event will be run by the Arman Roy Foundation’s youth squad, which is overseen by board member Divya Banerjee. The foundation is partnering with United Way of Greater Newark’s Newark Thrives Recreational Planning Council and the Boys & Girls Club of Newark for the event.

HONORING ARMAN ROY:

Arman Roy’s birthday on March 24 serves as the inspiration for this annual event. Arman, who recognized the value of digital exploration, is remembered through the foundation’s commitment to providing STEM opportunities.

The Foundation’s Chairman, Founder, and Arman’s mother, Manisha Roy, emphasized, “Arman knew how fortunate he was to have boundless resources to explore and enjoy the beauty of our digital world. This event, which is being organized by our foundation’s youth volunteers, is a way to honor his legacy by sharing the gift of STEM with everyone in celebration of Arman’s birthday and his spirit of caring.”

WHY STEM MATTERS:

The STEM Fun For Everyone event is not just about fun – it’s about opening doors to a bright future. STEM and computer science, in particular, are crucial in today’s world. 71% of all US jobs require digital skills, and high-skilled computing occupations are the fastest-growing sector. Unfortunately, many students from low-income or underrepresented groups lack access to 21st-century educational programs. The Arman Roy Foundation aims to bridge this gap by making STEM accessible and enjoyable for all.

About The Arman Roy Foundation:

The Arman Roy Foundation is dedicated to promoting STEM education and opportunities, ensuring that all youth, regardless of background, can access and enjoy the benefits of science, technology, engineering, and math. The foundation’s mission is to empower underserved students with technology resources and education, enabling them to be successful in today’s digital world.

AFTERSCHOOL SUCCESS ‘THRIVES!’

United Way Joins Newark Elementary School for to celebrate the ‘Lights On Afterschool’

Two of the most important things of my childhood and attending elementary and high school in Newark, NJ, was walking with friends to our local school to get complimentary breakfast and lunch.

Waiting in long lines at our site to obtain an excellent meal for the day, a great supplemental education after school ended and a safe place to hang out with friends were monumental to my upbringing.

Click here to read the full article by RLS Media

Newark Thrives Welcomes You

Greetings,

Thank you for visiting the Newark Thrives website. I am so glad that you have decided to take a look around! Newark Thrives has recently undergone some re-branding and re-purposing. I officially welcome you to the new Newark Thrives. A place where OST program providers meet those who need and will utilize OST programs. Newark Thrives is also a resource hub for out-of-school time practitioners. COVID-19 impacted the education sector in a major way. There is new visibility in the OST space, and it is my goal to have Newark Thrives reflect the experience of the OST participants here in the City of Newark, New Jersey.

Please excuse us, as some parts of our website are still being constructed to fit the needs of the network. I implore all guests to visit and use the Youth Program locator (YPL). The YPL is a user-friendly OST navigation platform that helps families find appropriate OST resources. Quality OST programs do exist and thrive here in the City of Newark. The goal of Newark Thrives is to convene and collaborate those programs for easy access to the greater Newark community.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about the website, or even just to chat about your virtual experience here.

I thank you for your interest and investment in our OST community.

Best,

Justin M. Artenant
Senior Manager, Newark Thrives
United Way of Greater Newark