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originally published: 03/19/2023 

 

(NEWARK, NJ) -- The Arman Roy Foundation is teaming up with United Community Corporation and United Way of Greater Newark to host a STEM Fun For Everyone event on Saturday, March 25 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the West Side Park Community Center in Newark.

The celebration coincides with Arman Roy's March 24 birthday. Arman tragically passed away at 15 years old on April 9, 2019. He carried a passion for technology from a young age and even as a young teen understood the importance of bridging the technological gap in low-income neighborhoods. Arman's gift and passion for technology inspired his parents, family, and friends to create the Arman Roy Foundation in June 2019, a charity dedicated to advancing equity by providing technology access and education for underserved youth across New Jersey communities.

“Arman knew how fortunate he was to have boundless resources to explore and enjoy the beauty of our digital world," Arman's Mother Manisha Roy, who is the foundation's Chairman and Founder, said. "This event, which is being organized by our foundation’s youth volunteers is a way to honor his legacy by sharing the gift of STEM with everyone." 

Saturday's celebration will be one of the many ways that the Arman Roy Foundation supports Newark and other communities throughout the state. It has provided STEM-based programming to Community-Based Organizations like United Community Corporation and scholarships to Per Scholas and Stockton University. It recently funded United Way of Greater Newark's STEM-based Newark Thrives YPL Internship allowing two Newark high school students to receive pay while working hands-on in the STEM field.

The STEM Fun For Everyone event is completely free and geared for youth ages 10 - 17 with a variety of activities related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The celebration will feature a game truck experience, engineering activities, virtual reality, slime-making, rocket launch contests, free snacks, and prizes. Essex County, Newark Centers of Hope, and Amerigroup are also partners for this event. Saint James Health will be providing COVID-19 vaccinations on-site.

 

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United Community Corporation will also offer information for wraparound services that can benefit families including youth and senior programming, food and clothing assistance, mortgage and rental assistance, and energy and water bill payment assistance.

“United Community Corporation strives to build partnerships that continue to uplift the community," Director of Youth, Family & Senior Services Yolanda Loney said. "STEM education has proven beneficial to youth but is often unattainable in underprivileged communities. Through collaboration with the Arman Roy Foundation and United Way, we continue to support and engage with community youth in developing problem-solving skills that lead to mental habits that will help them succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

Partnerships play a crucial role in supporting the community. The sky is the limit when non-profit agencies pool their resources and work together to help individuals and families within the community break out of poverty.

"Partnerships are extremely important in supporting United Way of Greater Newark's mission to disrupt the cycle of poverty," United Way of Greater Newark President & CEO Catherine Wilson said. "Convening and collaborating with partner organizations, such as the Arman Roy Foundation and United Community Corporation, allows us to consistently assess community needs and identify the best ways to help those living in the greater Newark area achieve financial stability, healthy equity, and educational equity."