COMMUNITY-BASED GRANT FROM NJ CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION TO EXPAND GLASSROOTS’ IMPACT IN 9 OF NEWARK'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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[Newark, New Jersey – April 19, 2022] GlassRoots, a Newark arts education center that ignites and builds the creative and economic vitality of Greater Newark through the transformative power of glass, announced today that it has received a substantial grant from the New Jersey Children’s Foundation (NJCF). This grant will enable GlassRoots’ Teaching Artists to teach mosaic lessons in nine of Newark’s public middle schools. 

Since its founding in 2001, GlassRoots has engaged tens of thousands of Greater Newark-area youth and young adults with its programs, including school-based and public classes and workshops, field trips, summer camps, fellowships and internships, events and commissions. While our students learn the process of glassmaking, they also develop social emotional learning skills like creative problem-solving, teamwork, discipline and resilience needed to work safely with 2,200-degree fire and molten glass. They gain hands-on experience in chemistry, physics and math. They become young entrepreneurs as they develop and market their products. They join a vibrant community in which they grow stronger each time they forge glass and experience the power of their own creativity.

"For over 20 years, GlassRoots has helped transform lives and reshape the Newark community," stated Carol Losos, GlassRoots Executive Director. "While the passion and dedication of our staff makes our work possible, none of it would be feasible without contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and government. The significant support of the New Jersey Children's Foundation will enable GlassRoots to serve more Newark youth, specifically students in our public school system. This is a game-changing grant for Newark schools, and we are so thankful to NJCF for their support and continued dedication to Newark."

With this grant, GlassRoots has selected the following public schools in Newark to participate in mosaic art programs run by GlassRoots’ Teaching Artists: Abington Avenue, Dr. E. Alma Flagg, Hawkins Street, Hawthorne Avenue, Ivy Hill Elementary, Luis Munoz Marin, Park Elementary, Peshine Avenue, and South Street. These programs will provide approximately 180 Newark students with hands-on and culturally responsive art-making lessons that are aligned with New Jersey State Learning Standards in Visual and Performing Arts and Science. Students will be introduced to the medium and history of mosaics, glass tools, color and design. “We are excited that GlassRoots and its partners are expanding their footprint in Newark Public Schools and providing our students with an amazing opportunity to experience the transformative power of glass,” said Roger León, Superintendent of Newark Public Schools.

"The New Jersey Children's Foundation is committed to supporting community nonprofits such as Glassroots and specifically finding ways we can appropriately extend day-long learning," stated Kyle Rosenkrans, Executive Director of the New Jersey Children's Foundation. "GlassRoots’ continued dedication to Newark represents a local approach to service that we are dedicated to supporting. We are thrilled to be able to partner together to support Newark's public-school children and believe that this support will ultimately provide more opportunity for Newark's students to thrive and learn in their hometown."

Along with the New Jersey Children's Foundation, GlassRoots also partners with Rutgers-Newark, Newark's Boys and Girls Club, University Hospital, Newark Arts Council, Newark Opportunity Youth Network, Bridges, Newark Museum, and the Newark Regional Business Partnership.
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About GlassRoots
GlassRoots is a Newark-based 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for achievement to youth and young adults by engaging them in the creation of glass art and the development of entrepreneurial and life skills. GlassRoots programs are STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and are offered as in-school residencies, after-school and summer arts programs, workforce development programs, and as workshops for teens and adults, using competency in handling molten glass as a pathway to personal development. For more information, please call 973.353.9555 or email info@glassroots.org.

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