NOTICE: We are currently experiencing technical issues with our phone lines. For immediate emergencies, please continue to call our main line at 973-642-0181. For all other program inquiries, please email info@uccnewark.org, and our staff will route your message to the correct department. We appreciate your patience!
By offering family services, leadership training, mentorship, and financial literacy education, the UCC Youth, Families and Senior Services department play a vital role in empowering youth, supporting families, and enhancing senior well-being. These programs, services and initiatives include but are not limited to: The Youth Empowerment Services (Y.E.S.) program and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) which provides mentorship and academic enrichment, senior-focused programs offering social activities, health screenings, and educational workshops, reducing social isolation and promoting healthier lifestyles for Greater Newark’s aging population, and innovative financial literacy for youth and individuals that equip them with the knowledge needed for financial independence.
West Side Park Community Center
600 S 17th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
973-642-0181 ext. 301
For more information, email: wsp@uccnewark.org
NITA M. LOWEY 21st CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER PROGRAM (21st CCLC)
ABOUT THE NITA M. LOWEY 21st CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER (21st CCLC) PROGRAM
The Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program is authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and reauthorized by The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. The program provides federal funding for the establishment of community learning centers that provide academic, STEM activities, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools, in order to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects such as reading, math and science. This program is also intended to offer students a broad array of activities and to include families and the community in the educational process.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Increase Academic Enrichment: Provide tutorial services to support students, particularly those attending low-performing schools, in meeting challenging state academic standards.
- Offer a Broad Array of Services and Activities: Provide students with diverse opportunities, including youth development activities, service learning, nutrition and health education, drug and violence prevention programs, counseling, arts, music, physical fitness and wellness programs, technology education, financial literacy, environmental literacy, mathematics, science, career and technical programs. These activities are designed to reinforce and complement the students’ regular academic programs.
- Engage Families in Education: Offer families of students attending community learning centers opportunities for meaningful involvement in their children’s education, including financial literacy, community resources and related educational development initiatives.
AFTER SCHOOL SITES
South 17th Street Elementary School
619 S. 17th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
(973) 374-2570
UCC Contact: Maritsa Criado
Belmont Runyon Elementary School
1 Belmont Runyon Way, Newark, NJ 07108
(973) 733-6920
UCC Contact: Atiya Brooks
United Community Corporation Contacts
Yolanda Loney, Project Director
yolanda.loney@uccnewark.org | 973-642-0181 ext. 300
Christian Marsette, Project Coordinator
christian.marsette@uccnewark.org | 973-642-0181 ext. 300
How Do I Enroll My Child ?
To enroll your child in our programs, it's simple and easy. Click the appropriate link below and completely fill out the application and hit "Submit/Send." That's it!!!
PLEASE NOTE: THESE PROGRAMS ARE DEDICATED TO STUDENTS OF OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS ONLY.
United Community Corporation's 21st CCLC AIRS Report
A Safe Space to Learn, Grow & Thrive
United Community Corporation’s 21st CCLC afterschool STEM program offers more than just a place to go after school. It’s a safe, supportive environment where students gain academic help, build confidence, and stay inspired.
Why It Works:
• Hands-on learning & caring staff
• Strong student-staff relationships
• Positive behavior and peer connections
• High parent satisfaction (96%)
Proven Impact:
• 94% saw academic improvement
• 83% improved behavior
• 86% better peer relationships
• 100% say they feel included
Our program keeps students safe, on track, and motivated—building a stronger future for our community.
Upcoming Event
Community Financial Series
(Registration Recommended)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 6pm-7pm
West Side Park Community Center, 600 S 17th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
YBG Enterprise presents Citywide Youth Day: Creating Safe Spaces (BHM Edition)
Cancelled
West Side Park Community Center, 600 S 17th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
Stronger Together
Postedponed (New Date TBD)
West Side Park Community Center, 600 S 17th Street, Newark, NJ 07103
For more information, contact
info@uccnewark.
If you or someone you know are in need of food, baby items, clothing, shelter, energy assistance, pending eviction or mortgage assistance, at risk of lead exposure at home, are a victim of a crime, and/or need youth development activities or young adult vocational training we have a department here to help!
Community Based Violence Intervention Program (CBVI)
THE PURPOSE
The Community Based Violence Intervention Program began in March 2022. The program is designed to provide services to youth between the ages of 13-23. Our main focus is on violence and assisting those that were convicted of violence, victims of violence and those that are considered at risk of being involved with violence. CBVI conducts workshops on different forms of violence including:
- Gang Violence
- School Violence
- Victims of Crime
- Domestic Abuse
- Elderly Abuse
- Violence in the LGBQT Community
Different events are coordinated to boost self-confidence, educate participants, and build bonds while interacting with professionals that the youth can emulate. The team creates workshops and activities to give the youth a change in their routine and an enjoyable means to distract from life’s stresses.This program uplifts youth and families to avoid violence and poverty that consumes their well-being.
