Focus 21 After School Program
Focus 21 Program at Schools 2 & 16
At Paterson Public Schools, our mission is to prepare every child for college, career, and life. We believe every student has unique potential, and our goal is to help them become lifelong learners and leaders in their communities, across the nation, and around the world.
Paterson is one of the most diverse districts in New Jersey, with more than 40 languages spoken in our classrooms. We proudly serve about 25,000 students from preschool through grade 12, along with 150 adult learners.
To support student success, we are excited to continue the Focus 21 Program, an after-school and summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program for students at School 2 and School 16, both Full Service Community Schools (FSCS).
What Families Can Expect
- Engaging Learning Experiences: Students will take part in hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math.
- Alignment with the School Day: Activities connect directly to what students are learning in class, reinforcing academic skills and sparking new interests.
- Support for Growth: The program helps students build teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills while preparing them for college and future careers.
- Family Involvement: Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate in workshops, events, and celebrations of student achievement.
Program Timeline
- After-School Program: October – June
- Summer Program: Four weeks, ending July
Why Focus 21 Matters
The Focus 21 Program combines the resources of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) and the Full Service Community Schools (FSCS) model. This ensures sustainability and strong connections between the regular school day and after-school experiences.
Our program is also aligned with the district’s Paterson: A Promising Tomorrow Strategic Plan and meets the six required components of the 21st CCLC program. This means students benefit from a well-rounded, future-focused education supported by teachers, families, and community partners.