The Princeton Area Community Foundation recently arranged a meeting between Trenton school leaders and nonprofits providing summer programs to city students so they could learn from each other about the ways to bridge the gap between school year and summer lessons designed to prevent learning loss.
Earlier this year, the Community Foundation awarded a total of $500,000 in Summer Initiative grants to 25 nonprofits working with hundreds of students, including 17 that offer programs for Trenton youth.
The meeting allowed school officials to learn more about the programs, which include academic support and fun, enriching activities, such as field trips, arts and crafts, and sports programs. Many also provide meals and transportation for the participants.
It is just one of the ways that the Community Foundation makes connections in the community. Founded 35 years ago, the Community Foundation is a philanthropic expert in the region and helps connect donors to the causes that matter most to them.
Since 1991, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $259 million in grants, including more than $118 million in the region. It collaborates with philanthropists, nonprofits and community leaders to address the region’s most critical needs.
During the virtual meeting, educators spoke with nonprofit leaders about the ways in which the summer programs could amplify learning opportunities that aligned with school curriculum. For example, a new state law requires cursive writing lessons in schools, so Trenton Schools Superintendent James Earle suggested that nonprofits could help youngsters learn to write their names in script over the summer. He and his staff also plan to visit summer programs and offer materials to supplement the nonprofits’ academic programs.
James Earle at the 2026 Chronic Absenteeism Summit.
“Trenton Public Schools is grateful to Princeton Area Community Foundation for coordinating this important meeting and bringing together 17 community partners committed to supporting Trenton’s students,” said Earle. “This collaboration is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when the district and community organizations work together toward a shared goal. By sharing ideas, strategies and resources, we can strengthen the academic, social, emotional and mental health supports available to students throughout the summer and help ensure they return to school ready to learn and succeed.”
This is the fourth year in a row that the Community Foundation has awarded Summer Initiative grants through the Community Impact Grants Fund. That funding is made possible thanks to the generosity of individual donors, corporations and foundations, including J&J and the Burke Foundation.
To learn how you can help us make a difference for the youth in our community, email Steve Spinner, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at sspinner@pacf.org or Angie McManimon, Senior Director of Philanthropy, at amcmanimon@pacf.org or call us at 609.219.1800.
