UPLIFT Academy’s 2026–27 academic-year programs will begin on Saturday, October 17, bringing expanded academic support to students across three locations in Newark and Paterson. This year, programs will be offered at the UPLIFT Academy Learning Center in Newark, Seminary Baptist Church in Paterson, and New Birth Church (Iglesia Nuevo Nacimiento) in Paterson.
We are excited to share an important milestone in UPLIFT Academy’s growth: we will soon be moving to our new Learning Center on Washington Street in Newark. At the same time, our programs in Paterson will continue, and we remain committed to expanding our work there so we can serve even more students and families.
UPLIFT Academy is preparing to launch a new academic program, MERIT Scholars, in January 2027. Designed for middle school students, MERIT Scholars will provide focused support in Math and English while helping students prepare for selective and magnet high school opportunities in Essex and Passaic counties.
UPLIFT Academy brought together CPM families, students, staff, and partner locations for a meaningful parent meeting focused on communication, collaboration, and student success. With families participating both in person and through Zoom, the meeting created an opportunity to connect across locations and strengthen our shared commitment to supporting students on their path to college.
UPLIFT Academy is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the EISAI USA Foundation. This generous funding will support the College Path Mentorship Program, aimed at empowering and guiding students on their path to higher education.
As you know, all of UPLIFT’s programs — CPM, STEAM Academies, Summer Math Camps, tutoring, mentorship — are completely free for students from underserved communities. To meet the growing demand in Newark and Paterson where we currently serve, your Giving Tuesday contribution is vital. Today, on Giving Tuesday, every dollar helps us open doors for students who deserve every opportunity to thrive.
If you’ve ever stared at a linear equation or quadratic formula and asked, “When will I actually use this in real life?”—you’re not alone. It’s the most common question in any math classroom. Mastering algebra today is the first step toward securing a successful, high-paying career tomorrow.
Approximately 30 ambitious CPM students capped off their standard Saturday classes by embarking on an unforgettable visit to the historic campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. This powerful field trip marked a significant moment in UPLIFT Academy’s commitment to providing meaningful and motivating college exposure opportunities.
Without these programs, the students may not have been able to realize their potential and succeed. This is a volunteer position for me; however, I am well paid when I see them socializing and encouraging each other, when I receive an excited telephone call with the message, "Dr. Schaeffer, I did it. I got accepted" at a school of his/her choice.
UPLIFT Academy hosted a Parent Meet & Greet at New Birth Church in Paterson on Friday, November 14 at 7:00 PM, strengthening family engagement in our College Path Mentorship (CPM) program. Parents learned about the step-by-step path to college admission, the importance of early preparation, and the many free resources their children receive through CPM.
