EW History
The First 10 Years
EducationWorks was established as a result and impact of the National School and Community Corps (NSCC).
The NSCC began in 1992 in New Jersey in response to funding opportunities created through the National and Community Service Act of 1990 for model demonstration programs of national service. More than 120 people from across the state came together to create a program that minimized the disparities between New Jersey's urban and suburban schools by adding and expanding programs and services, and reinforcing the values of education and civic responsibility, particularly for the young.
The program began in 12 schools in 8 Abbott school districts, the poorest districts in the state. In teams of 6 to 10, AmeriCorps members were assigned to a specific school and worked with students, teachers, parents and other adults before, during, and after school; occasionally on week-ends and holidays, and in full-day summer camps. Most teams sponsored or assisted in programs in the arts, literacy, service learning, classroom assistance, mentoring, conflict resolution and afterschool clubs. However, each team's set of programs and activities varied in response to specific needs identified by each school and its surrounding community.
In 1994, the NSCC was assumed by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, and expanded to 15 inner city schools in Philadelphia. Over the next 8 years, the NSCC sponsored more than 60 school teams in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Texas, and California.
In 2002, the NSCC staff established EducationWorks to house the NSCC, its first program, and to develop new programs.
Now
Building on the strength of the NSCC design, services, and accomplishments, EducationWorks has expanded its program base, serving more than 20,000 students annually. It currently manages and supports 8 additional programs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: After School Programs, Beacon Centers, Digital Service Fellows, Early Learning Center, Safety Teams, Substitute Teacher Corps, Summer Camps, and Youth Workforce Development.
EW programs continue to join national service with urban school reform. They bring together adults from diverse backgrounds united in a common commitment to enhance the academic achievement and the personal and social development of students.
With support from the Corporation for National and Community Service, EW places AmeriCorps members in all of its programs, serving side-by side with EW staff. Together they help create positive changes in the way youth and their families learn by:
1) providing additional caring adult educators and role models both in and out of the classroom to improve achievement in literacy and math;
2) connecting students to the larger community as a context for classroom learning through service-learning;
3) exposing students to activities not otherwise available; and
4) strengthening parents' interactions with schools and engaging parents as role models in learning and service.
