If such a thing were possible there are a number of people who would simply "write off" Camden, wishing that the city and its enormous problems would simply disappear. Yet, Maoyor Dana Redd is doing exactly the opposite, having announced the establishment of the Camden Community Charter School. Set to open its doors in September, 2013 this school will provide both education and hope for 300 students, starting with grades K-5. Show your support for May Redd and her team by signing this petition. *In addition, through Comcast’s Internet Essentials program and a generous donation from the Gureghian Foundation, students will be provided free computers and free in-home Internet access.)
Why Camden? It's the country's poorest city and the most crime-ridden city. In the last Census median household income was $21,191, lowest of any city surveyed. At least 42.5% of the city's residents live below the poverly line -- and the percentages keep climbing.
(Image courtesy of ABC News and from its series on Camden's fate)
At the same time, crime in the city is so severe that county police are now patrolling, replacing the city's own police force. Crimes are not only prevalent but especially horrific, and with 70 murders in 2012, or approximately 1 for every 1,000 people.
In such an environment it isn't suprising that children are most at risk. The high school graduation rate is just 49%, and in 2011 just 1.4% of the city's students met the State's College Readiness Bookmark.
Education is certainly key to turning around this situation and why one school won't change everything, just getting this launched is a huge accomplishment.