Acelero Learning to Expand Head Start Program in Camden, NJ

Acelero Learning is expanding its reach within four areas of Camden, New Jersey. Newly awarded a $5.3 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, starting in September, Acelero will begin serving an additional 362 children (ages birth to five) and their families within the Boroughs of Clementon, Lindenwold, and Berlin, as well as within the City of Camden.

Since first becoming an Early Head Start grantee in Camden in 2005, Acelero Learning has developed the premier birth-to-five program in the greater Camden/Philadelphia area and was named one of the top five Head Start programs in the nation by Bellwether Education Partners. Acelero Learning’s mission is to close the achievement gap and build a better future for children, families, and communities served by the Head Start program.

“We are excited about the ability to expand our reach in Camden County. We have a long history within the community, which holds a special place in our hearts,” said Aubrey Jones, Acelero Learning Camden Philadelphia Board Chair. “We are grateful for this opportunity to impact the lives of an additional 362 children and families.”

Under this grant, Acelero Learning is assuming Head Start services within Camden County. “Center For Family Services is honored to have the opportunity to provide children and families with Head Start services throughout Camden City and Camden County for the last decade,” said Richard Stagliano, President and CEO of Center For Family Services. “We look forward to working closely with Acelero on a successful transition and to continuing our work at our remaining locations. We are dedicated to providing high-quality early learning to the residents of Camden and Burlington Counties.”

Upon learning of the expansion, parent Eric Johnson shared, “My son was provided exceptional learning experiences that have prepared him for his transition into kindergarten this upcoming school year. Acelero Learning is a great program, and I hope new families get the chance to experience that high-quality preschool education and family support that I did for three years.”

Starting September 7, 2021, hundreds more children and families will begin their Acelero journey. Vice President of Acelero Learning Camden Philadelphia Victoria Ankrah said, “We firmly believe that any child can succeed, and we have cultivated an approach and recruited staff that allows us to see this belief to fruition. As such, the moment any family enters one of our centers, they see what excellence looks like and are eager to enroll their children.”