Pemberton’s Extended-Day Success Story: Serving Rural Families
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Pemberton Township Schools
Pemberton, New Jersey
ADDRESSING MULTIPLE COMMUNITY CHALLENGES
Pemberton Township Schools faced a challenge common to many rural districts: their self-operated before- and after-school programs created financial strain rather than nurturing all the families who depended on them.
The leadership team identified several critical needs:
- Consistent quality experiences where every child feels valued, regardless of which elementary school they attend
- Year-round care options so working caregivers never face gaps in support
- Affordable care for all families, including the 25% who needed subsidies the Pemberton program could not provide
When the team discovered Champions®, they found more than a provider. They found a committed partner who could transform these challenges into opportunities for their entire community.
CHAMPIONS DELIVERS FIVE ESSENTIAL SOLUTIONS
After listening to the community’s needs, the district-wide implementation focused on five areas that truly mattered to Pemberton families and educators:
- Vibrant Learning Spaces: Places where children’s eyes light up as they dive into hands-on STEM activities, create stories through literacy projects, and build friendships that develop crucial social skills.
- Access for Every Family: Eliminating the district’s financial burden while welcoming previously excluded families through Champions’ ability to accept state and federal subsidies.
- Summer Support Parents Count On: Continuous care through on-site Champ Camp that preserves friendships and learning during breaks when families need it most.
- Curriculum that Nurtures Complete Development: Research-based programming where students collaborate on projects that spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and celebrate growth.
- Jobs that Strengthen Community: Meaningful employment for residents who bring authentic understanding of neighborhood values to every program.
THE TRANSFORMATION IN NUMBERS AND HEARTS
The partnership between Pemberton Township Schools and Champions has created profound benefits throughout the community:
- Approximately 500 students now participate weekly across the district’s five elementary schools.
- Families who couldn’t previously afford quality care now have accessible options through subsidies.
- Children experience consistent programming regardless of which elementary school they attend.
- Staff members receive ongoing professional development, strengthening program quality.
- District leadership has eliminated program-related financial losses while enhancing service excellence.
The program has earned heartfelt endorsement from district leadership, and parents have embraced how it nurtures their children’s growth.
SMALL DISTRICT, EXTRAORDINARY IMPACT
Pemberton Township Schools demonstrates that rural districts can create profound opportunities with the right partner. They’ve implemented before- and after-school care that children love, families depend on, and educators value, creating a ripple of positive change throughout their community. With Champions’ support, these schools haven’t just solved a problem; they’ve transformed the daily lives of hundreds of families who call Pemberton home.