Baldwin’s ELL program teamed up with Partners4Work, a nonprofit focusing on careers, and Jewish Family and Community Services over the summer to provide a six-week “learn and earn” camp for students. 

ELL teachers Dr. Holly Neimi and Kate Mussleman wanted their students to continue to use English over the summer, so they worked together to create the camp. 

Each week was devoted to a different topic: computer science, art, photography, financial literacy, STEM Lego construction, and yoga and mindfulness. 

Through a grant from Partners4Work, Baldwin students earned minimum wage pay for attending the camp. Bus transportation was provided.

The camp was held three days a week — two days in the school and one day at a different location, such as Point State Park, Randyland on the North Side, and Station Square. There also were weekly speakers who focused on post-secondary career and education options.

“Students got language skills as well as work and academic readiness, plus career exploration,” Neimi said. 

Students who attended the camp agree. 

Junior Ronit Giri learned a lot about the importance of credit and the economic system in America. 

“I learned a lot of financial stuff like credit, credit cards, loans, interest, taxes, and payroll,” Giri said. 

During art week, the students worked to create a sign featuring all the different countries they are from, and it was displayed in the hallway near the bus entrance. Junior Sano Tamang really enjoyed the summer camp and making the sign. 

“I made the one that has the Nepal flag and the U.S. flag. It shows the two sides of me. I like seeing it on display so everyone can see the beauty of us all,” Tamang said.