Kelly Gangeri, Director of Educational Programs
Kelly Gangeri is a 26-year old resident of Hoboken who has been the Director of Educational Programs at Team Walker for a year. Kelly graduated from Kean University in January 2007 with a double major in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.
While studying at Kean University, Kelly developed an interest in childhood education when she mentored a second grade student from the Elizabeth school system. She followed her passion and began her professional field work as a student teacher for a second grade class in the Elizabeth Public School system.
In addition, Kelly also spent time working as a teachers’ aid in the special needs pre-school program for the Summit Public School System.
Kelly is also a certified and insured personal trainer, with a strong interest in fitness and nutrition.
In her current role, Kelly has served as a teacher, mentor and advisor to the many children that pass through Team Walker on a daily basis.
“Kelly has been extremely valuable to Team Walker. This is a young person who wants to help Team Walker youngsters achieve big things in the future. Her expansion of our academic program is very important to me and our kids,” stated Jerry Walker.
About our Programs
One of the primary goals of Team Walker is to impress upon participating youth the value and importance of education.
This is accomplished by engaging children in valuable and enjoyable after school programs, as well as integrating cultural and athletic opportunities into the children’s daily lives.
After School Tutorials
Children from Jersey City can take advantage of after-school tutoring and study hall sessions as part of Team Walker’s approach to building the mind and body. Demonstrating that children can blend academics and athletics, tutors such as Director of Educational Programs, Kelly Gangeri, work to assist children in academic disciplines and supplement their classroom instruction.
The After School Cultural and Recreational Enrichment Program (ASCREP)
The ASCREP program is designed to teach teamwork, promote critical and creative thinking skills, and encourage cross-cultural awareness and understanding among youth and parents. This cultural program offers all student participants the opportunity to explore and learn about their culture and history through innovative programming and field trips. Past trips have included: Dorney Park, the NJ Nets, Solomon Smith-Barney trading floor, PSE&G Power plant, Columbia University, and the Liberty Science Center and Museum of Natural History. ASCREP also provides youth the opportunity to participate in the Team Walker Steppers Group, basketball and track teams – all of which teach youth valuable lessons of group interaction (working in a team environment), problem solving and help to develop basic team building skills.
The ASCREP Program, which operates during the academic school year, is open to both boys and girls, ages 8-18. Participants are selected through an application process and are grouped in activities according to their age.
Team Walker Summer Programs
The Team Walker Day Camp and the Summer Youth Tournament are composed of boys and girls ages 8 through 18 who attend camp and have the opportunity to compete in championship sports as well as participate in educational and cultural activities. This summer program is held at P.S. #22 from 9am – 3pm. Team Walker Day Camp Program provides breakfast and lunch for each child that attends. Various recreational activities include basketball, football and cheerleading by the Team Walker Steppers. The tournaments, which feature upwards of 30 teams, are held from 4pm – 8pm during the summer months. Educational and cultural field trips are also highlighted activities.
ANTICIPATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The benefits and results expected from the above programs will depend on the level of funding that Team Walker receives. ( How You Can Help) The following defines the anticipated accomplishments for the forthcoming year.
- To increase participants’ academic performance.
- To decrease the school drop out rate among our students.
- To provide participants with mentors.
- To increase cultural and social awareness among program participants.
- To increase the number of youth enrolled in positive recreational activities.
- To encourage participants to become leaders to strive for academic excellence.
- To provide participants with safe and constructive alternatives to negative influences.
- To encourage parents to become active participants in their children’s lives.
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