Division of Impact and Community Engagement
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY–CAMDEN
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT FY2026
Expanding Opportunity. Strengthening Community. Advancing Impact. Demonstrating our public mission and anchor institution value through authentic, trust-based Relational Impact across Camden and South Jersey, the Division of Impact and Community Engagement (DICE) brings together pre-college educational access, civic learning, publicly engaged scholarship, campus culture, and strategic partnerships to educate, engage, and empower students and communities.
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A Note from Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. Nyeema C. Watson Higher education is increasingly challenged to demonstrate not only the quality of the education it provides, but also the value it creates for society. For Rutgers University–Camden, that responsibility has always been central to who we are. As an anchor institution in Camden, our success is deeply connected to the success of our students, our neighbors, and the South Jersey region. The Division of Impact and Community Engagement (DICE) advances that essential public mission. Bringing together educational opportunity, civic and community engagement, strategic partnerships, campus culture, and institutional effectiveness, DICE reflects our mutual belief that meaningful impact is created when people, programs, and communities are intentionally connected. Throughout my career at Rutgers–Camden, I have had the privilege of working alongside students, faculty, staff, community leaders, and partners who have demonstrated that lasting change is rarely the result of a single program or initiative. Instead, it is built through trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving lives. At the heart of our work is a philosophy we call Relational Impact, grounded in the understanding that sustainable change is built through authentic relationships. These connections link Camden students to the life-changing opportunities offered by higher education. Our work also connects Rutgers–Camden faculty to community-engaged scholarship, staff to institutional collaboration, and our university to the communities we are privileged to serve. While this report highlights important outcomes, its true significance lies in the people behind them and the futures that shine before them. Together, we will continue expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and advancing Rutgers–Camden’s public mission, one relationship at a time.
Nyeema C. Watson, Ph.D. Senior Vice Chancellor, Institutional Strategy and Engagement Division of Impact and Community Engagement Rutgers University–Camden
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DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
Our Foundational Commitments & Guiding Philosophy Mission The Division of Impact and Community Engagement advances Rutgers–Camden’s public mission by expanding pathways to higher education, integrating civic and community engagement across the institution, fostering an engaged campus climate, protecting equal opportunity, and strengthening mutual partnerships with the communities it serves. Through coordination, collaboration, and advocacy, DICE aligns access and engagement across the Rutgers–Camden experience to drive campus engagement, and institutional impact.
Core Value: Relational Impact The central philosophy asserting that lasting institutional and societal transformation is created through authentic, trust-based, multi-generational relationships rather than transactional services alone. These connections link Camden students to higher education, Rutgers faculty to community-engaged scholarship, and our university to regional partners.
Vision R E L AT I O N A L I M P A C T I N A C T I O N
DICE aligns access, engagement, partnerships, and external affairs to advance Rutgers–Camden’s public mission and impact. Through this work, Rutgers– Camden will be recognized as a national exemplar of impact-driven higher education and a trusted anchor institution that expands opportunity, strengthens communities, and prepares students to lead and serve.
“ Sustainable change happens when universities intentionally invest in relationships rooted in trust, reciprocity, shared purpose, and continuous learning.”
Commitment
— Dr. Nyeema C. Watson 2026—2031 DICE Strategic Plan
Demonstrating Rutgers–Camden’s public mission and anchor institution value by aligning university resources, research, and talent with community-identified needs.
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2025–2026 Year in Review In FY2026, the Division of Impact and Community Engagement achieved historic growth in student reach, community investment, and regional recognition. From launching a vibrant new student hub to securing major federal grants and state awards, DICE illustrates Rutgers University–Camden as a national role model for how higher education institutions can and must embrace their roles as transformative urban anchors. Transition to Impact and Community Engagement: Reflects an intentional evolution that strengthens our ability to advance access, opportunity, student engagement, civic responsibility, and a positive campus culture. Grand Opening of The Bridge: Opened on March 4, 2026, recording 1,090 visits from 355 unique students (~6% of campus) and hosting 44 major collaborations across 27 student organizations. 1st Place NJ Ballot Bowl Victory: Rutgers–Camden won 1st Place in the New Jersey Ballot Bowl for nonpartisan student voter registration excellence across state colleges. Community Partnership Centers: Celebrated 3 years of municipal partnership with City of Camden. Statewide Civics Convening: Co-hosted with Civics NJ a statewide civic symposium featuring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Executive Director Jane Kamensky and civic leaders from across the state of New Jersey. Urban Innovation Fund: Invested to date over $800,000 in funding across 3 cohorts for co-designed faculty-community research on literacy, environmental justice, housing equity, and health disparities. 4
DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
Newman Civic Fellow Honor: Bonner Scholar Keller Tozzi awarded prestigious Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellowship for community-engaged policy leadership. Community Honor: Rutgers–Camden named Sponsor of the Year by the 69th Annual Parada San Juan Bautista, in support of one of the oldest Puerto Rican Day Parades in the country. University Honors: DICE received the Rutgers College Class of 1930 Ernest E. McMahon Award for Public Service. Local Honors: Dr. Nyeema C. Watson, Senior Vice Chancellor, honored as NAACP 2026 Visionary at the Camden County East 2026 Visionary Awards. NJSACC OST Excellence Award: Tinishia Bass, Senior Program Administrator and Project Director for 21st CCLC, RU IGNITE, honored with the 2026 Diane Genco Out-of-School Time Excellence Award. 14th Annual Chancellor’s Awards for Impact and Community Engagement: Honored 21 awardees across faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners for Academic Civic Engagement, CommunityEngaged Scholarship, and Campus Culture Leadership.
Thought Leadership & Conferences CUMU, Campus Compact, and Urban Affairs Association: Presented best practices on urban anchor engagement, community partnership centers, community engaged research, and high-impact tutoring. NAPAHE and Bonner Summer Leadership Institute: Dr. Kendall Barton, Director of Operations, presented executive leadership models; Dr. Michael D’Italia, Director of Engaged Learning and Assessment, led civic learning workshops. PHENND K-16 and ASC AmeriCorps: Michele Garçon, Director of Access and Pathways, showcased pre-college access pipelines. Board Leadership: Several members of DICE provided leadership on boards in and around Camden: PBCIP, Camden Special Services District, Camden Schools Foundation, Samaritan, Philabundance, College Unbound, Symphony in C, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, and the Southern New Jersey Development Council.
2026–2031 Strategic Plan Framework To align divisional priorities with Rutgers–Camden’s overarching mission, DICE conducted an extensive strategic planning process grounded in a SOAR framework (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) and Appreciative Inquiry. Engaging over 150 internal and external stakeholders, the process established five interconnected pillars that guide our work through 2031.
Pillar 1: Expanding Opportunity for Camden Youth Expanding educational opportunity by creating coordinated pathways that enable Camden youth and historically underserved students to successfully access, navigate, and complete higher education.
Pillar 2: Developing Civic Impact Leaders Preparing students to become informed, engaged, and responsible civic leaders through meaningful communityengaged learning, democratic participation, leadership development, and public problem-solving.
Pillar 3: Cultivating Connection Cultivating a campus environment where students, faculty, and staff experience belonging, well-being, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to flourish personally and professionally.
Pillar 4: Measuring Impact Building a culture of learning and continuous improvement that uses evidence, storytelling, and shared accountability to demonstrate and strengthen DICE’s impact across the university and community.
Pillar 5: Building Organizational Excellence Developing the systems, people, resources, and organizational capacity necessary to sustain DICE’s work and position the division for long-term institutional leadership and public impact.
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Unit Overview: Access & Pathways We remove barriers to higher education and connect learning with opportunity. Through K–12 partnerships, Rutgers University–Camden supports Camden City students and families seeking engaging and rigorous educational experiences that provide pathways to higher education. From afterschool and tutoring initiatives to pre-college school-year and summer programs, these partnerships expand access to academic preparation and help ensure that Camden youth are equipped for postsecondary success.
RU IGNITE Afterschool Program & CDF Freedom School (Grades 3–8) RU IGNITE provides a foundational academic and social environment for students in grades 3–8, while Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools leverage culturally responsive literacy as a tool for empowerment and identity development. Integrating math and English/Language Arts remediation, STEM, artivism, and health, these programs combat summer learning loss while building academic confidence. • RU IGNITE enrolled 260 students across partner school sites in Camden • 80% of RU IGNITE scholars met the 30-day program attendance benchmark • Over 90% of RU IGNITE students identified homework assistance as one of the program’s strongest academic supports • 83% of RU IGNITE students reported measurable personal growth through leadership and enrichment activities • 75% of CDF Freedom School students maintained or improved reading levels over summer, exceeding national retention benchmarks • 88% of CDF Freedom School students reported heightened motivation to read; 92% demonstrated social-emotional competence growth
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DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
Rutgers Accelerate & Renew Academy (RARA) As an AmeriCorps-affiliated high-impact tutoring and mentorship initiative, RARA addresses academic disparities in mathematics and ELA while promoting social-emotional development across local schools and community centers. RARA utilizes undergraduate students to cultivate deep trust and build academic resilience in Camden youth. • Launched high-impact tutoring model at North Camden Community Center, LUCY Outreach, and for students in the RU IGNITE and Rutgers Future Scholar programs. Summer programs offered at the Cramer Hill, Isabel Miller, Malandra Hall, Martin Luther King, and North Camden Community Centers • Reached 120 students through targeted community outreach • Achieved 70% average attendance rate; 60% to 70% demonstrated measurable improvement in math and English/Language Arts • Completed 220+ total hours of AmeriCorps service, including 115 hours of direct, 1-on-1 tutoring • Recruited 12 student tutors, leveraging volunteer support from Rutgers–New Brunswick and partners
PARENT REFLECTION
“ This program has been a blessing for our family. My child is more focused, excited about learning, and talks about going to college all the time now. RU IGNITE and Freedom School gave them opportunities we couldn’t provide on our own.” — RU IGNITE and CDF Freedom School Parent
Rutgers Future Scholars (RFS–Camden) A signature university-wide, multi-year pre-college access initiative guiding first-generation and low-income Camden students from 8th grade through high school graduation and college completion. Utilizes a cohort-based model focused on identity, social justice, career readiness, community externships, and a 4-year tuition guarantee. RFS is a sustained partnership that walks alongside Scholars and families. • Enrolled 213 active scholars across 9 Camden school sites • 156 total participants completed intensive Summer Academy (Cohorts 15–19) • 83% of active senior Rutgers Future Scholars accepted into Rutgers University • 80% of seniors participated in financial aid workshops; 90% submitted Rutgers applications and completed FAFSA • Engaged 144 parent participants across 4 Parent Academy events (67% average attendance) • Launched inaugural Camden externships in arts, environmental science, and housing
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Hill Family Center for College Access The Center was established in 2011 on the 50th anniversary of co-founders Drs. George and Washington Hill’s graduation from Rutgers–Camden. The brothers’ distinguished careers in medicine, medical education, and philanthropy have provided support for over 5,000 Camden youth. The Center combines academic preparation, financial literacy, and career readiness with immersive campus experiences. • Served 429 total individuals and engaged 23 families in pre-college programming in 2025–2026 (5,000+ total youth served since inception) • Hosted 5th Annual College & Career Fair at Eastside High School with over 150 high school attendees and regional admissions representatives • Delivered 44 classroom workshops in Camden high schools focusing on SMART goal setting, financial aid literacy, and college fit selection • Hosted 6 monthly Saturday workshops centered on wealth empowerment, financial literacy, career exploration, and FAFSA completion • Achieved 100% support/satisfaction rating among Hill Strivers and 100% staff agreement on student college readiness • Hosted Legacy Day welcoming 89 high school seniors (4.62/5 rating; 72% likely to apply to Rutgers–Camden)
A D M I N I S T R AT O R R E F L E C T I O N
“ I believe the biggest impact of the Hill Center at Rutgers–Camden is how it supports students holistically. It doesn’t just focus on academics, but also helps students build confidence, access resources, and feel connected to both the campuses in the Camden community.” — Gloria Martinez-Vega, Principal of Eastside High School
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DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
Unit Overview: Community Engagement At Rutgers–Camden, we are deeply committed to engaging with the Camden community through nationally recognized initiatives. We connect campus learning with community partnerships to foster mutual benefits and tackle shared challenges. DICE promotes the public purpose of higher education by enhancing civic learning, volunteerism, service, and community-based research. Our collaborations enrich student education, support faculty scholarship, and ultimately benefit Camden and the wider South Jersey region. In 2025–26, our community logged over 13,996 volunteer hours, generating $540,130 in economic value for the region.
Bonner Civic Scholars Program The Bonner Civic Scholars Program is a flagship civic leadership initiative engaging undergraduates in an intensive pathway of community service, capacity building, reflective practice, and civic learning. Bonners complete multiyear placements with local non-profit and municipal host sites, transforming standard volunteering into sustained capacity-building partnerships. • 29 Bonner Civic Scholars delivered 9,647 hours of public service ($372,271 in community economic value) • Achieved an average per-student contribution of 333 service hours and $12,837 in community value • Embedded Scholars across 27 active placement sites supporting youth development, senior wellness, K–12 education, food security, basic needs, and neighborhood advocacy • Welcomed 14 students into the 2026-27 Bonner Civic Scholars cohort, increasing program size by 48% over the previous year
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BONNER SCHOLAR REFLECTION
“ Being part of the Bonner Civic Scholar program has changed how I see myself as a member of my community. I’ve learned that being involved in a community is not just about volunteering, but about taking responsibility for the people and issues around me. Through my experiences, I’ve become more confident in using my skills, time, and leadership to support others... I now see myself not only as someone who benefits from my community, but as someone who has a responsibility to contribute to and strengthen it.” — Bonner Civic Scholar
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DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
RCommunity and Student Engagement Utilizing GivePulse infrastructure, RCommunity encompasses co-curricular volunteer mobilization, peer mentorship, weekly service programming, and civic leadership training across campus. RCommunity connects student talent with off-campus community needs. • Mobilized 627 active volunteers who logged 12,590 hours of community impact on RCommunity • 43 community partner organizations onboarded to RCommunity in 2025-26 • Structured weekly Tuesday service sessions engaging up to 21 volunteers per session in hands-on projects
Engaged Civic Learning (ECL) Courses ECL integrates academic rigor with public purpose, embedding community problem-solving into coursework across 26 departments. • 61 unique ECL courses offered between 2016 and 2026 • 134 Faculty Fellows trained across 26 academic departments • Key academic partners include Nursing, Public Policy, English, Management, Social Work, Psychology, Law
Public Engagement & Democratic Participation Catalyzes student civic engagement, democratic participation, and voter empowerment through non-partisan initiatives, policy discussions, and federal advocacy. • Earned 1st Place in the New Jersey Ballot Bowl for non-partisan student voter registration • Hosted 5-part ‘Listen, Learn, Act’ workshop series, where students learn about civic engagement from subject matter experts and participate in hands-on engagement activities • Secured $8,000 Rutgers Democracy Lab grant; launched Model UN (competing in NYC) and hosted trips to Trenton and Washington, D.C., for students to see government in action
Community Partnership Centers (CPC) A $1.4M federally funded municipal collaboration with City of Camden and the Camden YMCA focused on revitalizing neighborhood centers. • 165+ volunteers engaged 1,875 participants in 64 programs across five community centers and a host of City of Camden events • Delivered Senior Health Days, Prostate Cancer Information sessions, Salt-free Cooking, and Brain Health workshops • Managed 2 Summer Recreation Day Camps and sponsored arts and culture trips for youth
Urban Innovation Fund Awards seed grants of up to $40,000 apiece to foster collaborative, publicly engaged research between faculty, students, and Camden community organizations on pressing challenges. • Invested $800,000+ in seed grants across 3 cohorts addressing environmental justice, housing equity, and health disparities • Cohorts 1 & 2: VietLead farm literacy, correctional facility visit policy reform, housing property analysis (‘Who Owns Camden?’), and GIS Health Mapping • Cohort 3 Awards: Catholic Partnership math development, African American Cultural Arts Center history exhibits, Wholesome Riches trauma counseling, and BookSmiles daycare literacy
MUNICIPAL PARTNER REFLECTION
“ Our partnership with Rutgers University–Camden strengthens the City’s commitment to providing Camden youth with meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed... Through our youth programs, Rutgers–Camden brings valuable educational resources, mentorship, and enrichment activities that complement the recreation and academic support we provide. This collaboration allows us to create a well-rounded experience for our young people while connecting them with positive role models and opportunities that can help prepare them for their future.” — Dorri Brown, Chief of Staff for Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen
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Unit Overview: Campus Culture & Engagement We foster environments where students, faculty, and staff are engaged, supported, and equipped to thrive and succeed. DICE works collaboratively across the institution to enhance campus climate, encourage constructive dialogue, and ensure that institutional practices support academic success, leadership development, and professional growth. Through education, training, and community-building initiatives, DICE helps create conditions that promote engagement, well-being, mutual respect, and shared responsibility across the campus community.
The Bridge Student Cultural Center Launched March 4, 2026, as Rutgers–Camden’s student-centered hub for cultural engagement, identity development, intercultural dialogue, and student belonging, The Bridge serves as physical and social infrastructure connecting students to peer support, mentoring, and academic resources. • Recorded 1,090 total visits during launch year, reaching 355 unique students (~6% of campus population) • Partnered with 27 recognized student organizations (~40% of all campus student organizations) • Facilitated 44 total campus collaborations, including 26 student-focused events • Executed 13 joint student-employee collaborations • Provided funding, space, and operational support for student organization cultural programs and study groups
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DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
Interfaith Inclusion Advances religious inclusion, spiritual well-being, pastoral care, and cross-cultural understanding. • Certified 50 regional faith leaders in Mental Health First Aid • Established Chaplain Fellowship with 5 members across faith traditions • Hosted 3 Interfaith Lunches (100+ participants)
LGBTQIA+ Initiatives
PARTICIPANT REFLECTION
Provides affirming programming, education, and communitybuilding experiences. • 425+ student engagements across 18 events (267 unique attendees) • Reestablished Camden Pride Fest with 200+ attendees and local vendors • Revived Lavender Graduation celebrating 19 LGBTQIA+ graduates
“ It felt like an open and inclusive space to ask questions in a nonjudgmental and safe environment.” — Transgender Day of Remembrance Participant
• Partnered with 10 local/university advocacy organizations
Rites of Passage Graduation Ceremony A pre-commencement tradition established in 1992 by Rutgers alumna Juanita Jones-Daly that recognizes academic achievement, cultural identity, perseverance, family legacy, and community contribution, Rites of Passage is an intergenerational celebration where graduates receive commemorative cultural medallions. • Celebrated up to 250 undergraduate and graduate students annually • Engaged approximately 600 total ceremony participants, including families, alumni, and community leaders
Workshops & Idea Microgrants • IDEA Microgrants: Distributed $25,000 per semester in grants up to $2,500 per project for campus and community innovation • Trainings & Capacity: Engaged 20+ departments across 5 university divisions in psychological safety and inclusive leadership workshops • Campus Flourishing: Supported 200+ students through mentorship and leadership development workshops and launched ‘Flourishing Together’ employee well-being series
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With Gratitude to Our Partners Meaningful impact is built through authentic relationships. The Division of Impact and Community Engagement extends its deepest gratitude to the corporate, municipal, philanthropic, and educational partners whose strategic partnership, financial stewardship, and shared vision make this work possible. Together, we demonstrate Rutgers–Camden’s anchor mission across the city and region.
African American Cultural Arts Center
District Council Collaborative Board (DCCB)
Alidade Consultants
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Eastside High School
BookSmiles
Erik James Montgomery Foundation
Brightview Senior Living Center
Fair Share Housing Center
Camden City School District
Free Books Project, The (TFBP)
Camden Coalition
Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ
Camden Community Faith Partnerships
Greater Philadelphia YMCA
Camden County Correctional Facility (CCCF)
Heart of Camden
Camden County Department of Community Development
Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey, Inc.
Camden Fireworks
Humanity Pictures
Camden Lutheran Housing, Inc.
Institute for Empowering Equitable Education in STEM (E3)
Camden Schools Foundation
Isabel Miller Community Center
Camden Special Services District
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
Campbell Soup Company (Campbell’s)
Joseph’s House of Camden (JHOC)
Campus Compact
Lifting Up Camden’s Youth (LUCY Outreach)
Cathedral Kitchen
Malandra Hall Community Center
Catholic Partnership Schools
Mighty Writers
Center for Aquatic Sciences
National Council for Mental Wellbeing (Mental Health First Aid)
Center for Urban Research and Education (CURE) Central Baptist Church of Woodbury, NJ Children’s Defense Fund City of Camden Civics NJ Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) Cooking for Camden Cooper Center for Healing / Cooper University Health Care Cooper University Health Care / Cooper Norcross Health Cooper’s Poynt Family School The Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation Cramer Hill Community Center
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DICE IMPACT REPORT FY2026
National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI) New Jersey School-Age Child Care Program (NJSACC) NJ 4-H Youth Development Program North Camden Community Center One Camden Parents Invincible Parkside Business & Community in Partnership Pennsauken Democratic Committee Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND)
Raise the Bar Rutgers African American Alumni Association (RAAA) Rutgers Democracy Lab Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program (MSP) Rutgers School of Business–Camden Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Rutgers University Foundation Rutgers University–Camden Alumni Association Rutgers–Camden College of Arts and Sciences Rutgers–Camden Division of Student Academic Success Rutgers–Camden Division of Student Affairs Rutgers–Camden Enrollment Management Rutgers–Camden Honors College Rutgers–Camden Human Resources Rutgers–Camden Student Governing Association (SGA) Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center SGA Community Service Committee Sixers Youth Foundation Spartina Consulting St. Joseph’s Carpenter Society Students Learn Students Vote (SLSV) Coalition Subaru of America Thomas H. Dudley Family School University of Pennsylvania Medical Center Urban Affairs Association VietLead Wholesome Riches Women in STEM Women of the Dream
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DICE
Division of Impact and Community Engagement 121 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08102 (856) 225-7060 camden.rutgers.edu/dice ruc-dice@camden.rutgers.edu @ruc_dice
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