Program Schedule:
Monday - Thursday: 3:00 - 6:00 pm  

McKinley Community School is the home of Citizen Schools' first program in the Garden State.  Currently in our fourth year in partnership with New Brunswick Public Schools, our program has been the "gem in the crown" of the district's 21st Century Community Learning Center portfolio of programs.  The McKinley Campus is a powerful example of how middle-grade students can become positive producers in their community through their daily participation in the program. 

• Success Prep
  We realize that the key to academic and personal success is preparation, which is why our students participate in "Success Prep:" weekly explorations where apprentices work on the skills that will teach the skills and behaviors needed to get on a trajectory towards high achievement in and out of school.  
• Aim and School Navigation
  Beyond the array of powerful academic lessons taught during our AIM and School Navigation, students are introduced to relevant skills that will prepare them for high school, college and the 21st Century workforce. 
• Choice Time
  Choice Time allows our apprentices to take part in fun activities that develop teamwork and leadership skills.  Students are given the choice to participate in book clubs, educational games and sporting activities. 
• Apprenticeships
  In addition to serving as academic support coaches, our volunteers and staff have led student apprenticeships that have made significant impact on our students and the community.  Learn more about the next steps in getting involved!

Get your game up!

Welcome to a new year of Citizen Schools in the city of New Brunswick.  Just in case we have not met already, my name is Leopold K. Richardson, and I am serving as the Campus Director of the McKinley Campus.  My staff and I have approached the year, by taking the best of what was, and combining it with the best of what will be, to impact the students of McKinley.

Our theme for the year is "Get your game up."  We aim to take the academic game, the leadership game, the public-speaking game, the behavioral management/engagement game, and the apprenticeship game to the next level.  Ambitious, we know, but we also know we cannot achieve this goal without you.  Just as every good team is comprised of different players contributing different strengths, so our team needs you and the contribution you'll bring to it.  

• Apprentices, we need you to bring your A-game to the program this year; you are our star players.  This program is for you.  Take the lead in making it the best it could be, and do your best to get those applications turned in right away.
• Parents/Guardians, we want you to allow us to become assistant coaches with you and your children.  We would love for you to engage us in any and every way that we can be of assistance to your child.  Please assist your children in turning in their applications, by asking if they have received one as well as promptly filling one out and returning it.
• School staff, we also look forward to coaching beside you as fellow educators.  Feel free to contribute your expertise to anything we are doing, and to solicit ours in anything you are doing.
• Citizen Teachers (volunteers), we want you to take the plunge to move from the stands and join the team (apply now). Your time and talent is precious to the success of this team.  The students' lives are directly impacted by you.  Citizen Schools just isn't Citizen Schools without you!  

Looking forward to meeting and working with all of you,

Leopold K. Richardson and the Citizen Schools Team