The Gem Project empowers youth to drive community change through a critical, social justice-oriented approach to service-learning, peer mentoring, and youth organizing. Our programs champion on-time graduation by equipping high school and college students with skills, employment opportunities, and leadership experience.
Our fellows, deeply connected to the community and empowered with a social justice framework, continue to make lasting impact within and beyond Newark, New Jersey, where we are headquartered.
Fellows dedicate significant time to projects aligned with financial literacy, college readiness, and career exploration, supported by stipends or employment.
Fellows participate in 1:1 coaching, mock interviews, and digital portfolio development.
All senior high school Fellows have secured admission to accredited colleges (2024).
Since 2006, The Gem Project has engaged over 3,500 Newark-area youth, addressing systemic issues through a service-learning model that goes beyond traditional methods. We challenge our Fellows to critically examine identity, race, privilege, policy, and power structures. By connecting lived experiences to broader social issues, Fellows build the tools to create inclusive solutions and lead community transformation.
In-Person: Fellows engage in 36 weeks of structured, hands-on activities at local centers and schools during the school year, and a 6-8 week summer program. Through direct mentoring, workshops, and community projects, they gain real-world experience and mentorship.
Asynchronous: Fellows with varying schedules access recorded sessions, complete interactive online modules, and connect with mentors and peers virtually. This modality extends our reach nationally, allowing youth across the country to join our movement.
