BINGHAMTON, NY – The Broome County Promise Zone — a collaboration between Binghamton University, the Broome County Mental Health Department and Broome-Tioga BOCES designed to improve the quality of education for area children — will hold celebrations to highlight student enthusiasm and talent at its three summer camps on Aug. 14 and 15 in Binghamton, Whitney Point and Johnson City.

The BHS Dream celebration will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Binghamton High School. Camp participants will showcase projects they worked on, such as a shopping cart garden and murals which represent the City of Binghamton. Students will also facilitate a discussion about food insecurity, homelessness and how being exposed to various STEM projects has impacted their lives and academic/career paths.

The Whitney Point Junior STEAM celebration will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Saving Grace Arts Center and Meeting Place, 2496 West Main Street, Whitney Point. Students will prepare a meal utilizing their education around food production, preparation and nutrition, as well as display science, engineering, technology and math experiments they have conducted throughout the summer. Attention will also be given to the arts and crafts and musical talents students have explored this summer, with an exhibit of completed projects and a "STOMP" presentation. 

Students at the Goodwill Theatre, located at 67 Broad St. in Johnson City, will display their artwork and musical talents at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. The students have spent the past four weeks working with local talent to develop artistic strategies and stage presence. Completed art projects will be on display as well as a presentation showcasing vocal and percussion rhythm.

These programs were designed to provide students with a safe place to learn and explore during the summer, while providing meals, field trips and connections to the community. Students enjoyed a variety of activities, such as educational engagement (including STEM topics); exploration of the arts, with support from local artists, educators and performers; and trips within the Broome County community.

The Broome County Promise Zone is a new county-funded program working in the community to achieve the following goals: improved academic achievement, student and family engagement, and school dropout prevention. The program is designed to build the necessary supports and structure around children in their community and to better equip them to be successful in school, work and life. The program utilizes the community schools model to help organize the resources of the community around student success.

For more information, e-mail Broome Promise Zone Community Schools Director Luann Kida at lkida@binghamton.edu or call 607-777-9207.