MALCOLM JENKINS FOUNDATION EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH DREXEL FOR YOUNG DRAGONS SUMMER STEAM CAMP

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is expanding its partnership with Drexel University’s Expressive and Creative Interaction Technologies (ExCITe) Center and Lindy Center for Civic Engagement  to offer a summer camp for local students to learn, experiment and experience the interplay between science, technology, engineering, arts, athletics and mathematics (STEAM).

Initially piloted with the ExCITe Center in 2016, Summer STEAM offers middle school students living near Drexel’s campus the opportunity to participate in unique arts-science learning activities. Starting in 2017, the Young Dragons program merged the Summer STEAM curriculum with the established literacy and enrichment programs of the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement for a free six-week camp. The day camp, which is open to students entering fifth through eighth grades, will be held at Drexel this summer. “The goal of this innovative program is to engage, educate and inspire students, regardless of their background or financial resources, to explore cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, arts, athletics, and mathematics — STEAM — in a creative and exciting format,” said Youngmoo Kim, PhD, director of the ExCITe Center.

As part of the six-week camp, students in Young Dragons will explore music technology (acoustics and sound synthesis), visual arts (geometry and drawing/painting), computer game design and coding, dance (biology and movement) and athletics (sports science and technology). New modules will illustrate the basics of engineering behind the design of sneakers and building music-playing robots.The Young Dragons program has been designed specifically to meet the needs of children living in close proximity to Drexel. This two-square-mile is a federally designated Promise Zone due to challenges it faces associated with persistent poverty.

“The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation is thrilled to be part of this unique collaboration which is having a tremendous impact on Philadelphia youth,” said Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles safety and the founder and chairman of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.Young Dragons is an extension of the educational programs currently offered by the Foundation, including Project R.E.W.A.R.D.S., a life skills curriculum and The Malcolm Jenkins Scholars.Young Dragons students will participate in a special Open House event on June 18th. Campers will have the opportunity to meet Malcolm Jenkins and participate in a preview of upcoming STEAM activities.

TMJF Host 6th annual Next Level Youth Football Camp

On June 23-24,  The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation kicked off its sixth annual Next Level Youth Football Camp for 475 boys and girls, ages 7-17 at Piscataway High School.  Jenkins, a native New Jerseyan, along with several other prominent current and former NFL players, served as mentors providing hands-on instruction and motivational lessons, with support of local area high school coaches and community partners.  Participants were grouped based on age, with an emphasis placed on skill development, safety, and fun of the game.

“Our goal is to create a safe sports culture by educating and building awareness around health and safety topics for parents and the campers, which can encourage conversation between them and make a big difference in their overall wellness,” said Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, President of the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.Sport Testing Inc., a leading provider of sport specific player testing and athletic assessment technologies, provided state-of-the-art combine testing to all campers, sponsored by Dynasty Sports Group, a company founded by former New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Champion and Jenkins former teammate, Marques Colston.“Each year, we try to add unique and innovative components to the program to make it a better experience for the campers. Since 2012, the camp has grown approximately 25 percent each year and I’m grateful to have the support of my NFL colleagues and High School coaches, who give their time and effort to coach and mentor the kids, which we hope will have a positive and lasting impact in their lives,” said Malcolm Jenkins. NFL players participating in the camp include Devin McCourty (New England Patriots), Sidney Jones (Philadelphia Eagles), Ron Brooks (Philadelphia Eagles), Travell Dixon (Carolina Panthers), Marques Colston (former New Orleans Saints), Brandon Bing (former New York Giants) and Steven Miller (former Detroit Lions).This year’s camp was made possible through the generosity of sponsors and community partners including AT&T, Piascik, The Heldrich, The Muscle Maker Grill, Dynasty Sports Group, Piscataway Township Schools, Safe Kids New Jersey, Philadelphia Eagles, RWJ Barnabas Health, American Water, Simon’s Fund, NAMI, Thomas Sweet, State Farm Agent Robby West, BASH, Township of Piscataway, Piscataway PBA Local 93, North Shelton Volunteer Fire Department, the NFLPA and its partners QuestNutrition, CorePower, SKLZ, Dometic and a grant from the NFL Foundation. See full photo gallery here.