BINGHAMTON, NY – The Broome County Promise Zone — a collaboration among Binghamton University, the Broome County Mental Health Department and Broome-Tioga BOCES designed to improve the quality of life for area children — will hold celebrations to highlight student enthusiasm and talent at its three summer camps from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Binghamton University Downtown Center, 67 Washington Street, Binghamton.

Camp participants will present from 5-6 p.m. A recognition ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a performance from the campers.

These programs, held at Binghamton High School, Goodwill Theatre in Johnson City, and Saving Grace Arts Center & Meeting Place in Whitney Point, were designed to provide students with a safe place to learn and explore during the summer, while providing meals, field trips and connections to the community. Students enjoyed a variety of activities, such as educational engagement (including STEM topics); exploration of the arts, with support from local artists, educators and performers; and trips within the Broome County community.

Funding through a Community Foundation of South Central New York grant and Broome-Tioga BOCES Summer Youth Employment allowed for summer employment to area college and high school students as Summer Zone leaders and youth mentors to middle school participants, designed to foster relationships and important connections. 

The Broome County Promise Zone is a county-funded program working in the community to achieve the following goals: improved academic achievement, student and family engagement, and school dropout prevention. The program is designed to build the necessary supports and structure around children in their community and to better equip them to be successful in school, work and life. The program builds community schools to help organize the resources of the community around student success.

For more information, e-mail Broome Promise Zone Community Schools Director Luann Kida at lkida@binghamton.edu or call 607-777-9207.