FORMER STUDENT MAKES TIME TO GIVE BACK

June 4 -- Former student Chental Song-Bembry, (pictured center), author of children's book series, Honey Bunch Kids, is currently working on another book addressing more serious issues facing young people with plans to turn it into an animated series. Since her days at Beyond Expectations, Chental has been featured as a Making a Difference M.A.D. Girl on Black Girls Rock and Early Riser with BET Honors for her community service with youth literacy.

A rising senior at Hampton University enroute to a phenomenal internship with an ABC Television affiliate, she took time to stop by and visit current students in our Youth Media program. Chental also made time during her break to speak with hundreds of children at a local elementary school.

In addition to completing her book, she has developed a motivational presentation, Passion & Purpose. She was invited to present it at Studio B Bistro & Bakery as part of a live studio taping featuring CEO and music legend John Ellison, original songwriter of "Some Kind of Wonderful", where students worked as part of the production crew for a show that will air on Princeton Community Television.

Just a reminder!!

Our 2017 Summer Academy is just around the corner! If you haven't already signed up, be sure to send an email asap to beyondexp1@gmail.com for all the details. Or, give us a call at 866-321-6777.

CELEBRATING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

April 21 -- Beyond Expectations volunteers have been at the heart of the organization since we held our very first youth event back in 1999. Leontyne Anglin, one of our original founding board members, was invited as the keynote presenter at One Table Cafe in Princeton to share how we have found creative ways to engage youth across the region and how caring volunteers continue to play an integral role in their success.

She was joined by Advisory volunteers Simone Jarvis, Cindy Rein-Zima, former student turned facilitator Anthony Weaver, and supporters whose youth have participated in our programs over the years.

Sincere thanks to all of our phenomenal volunteers. When no one else seems to be looking, you've always been there.

We're gearing up for our Summer Youth Leadership Program. Stay tuned...

THE AWESOME POWER OF COLLABORATION

March 27 -- April is Financial Literacy Month. As we approach the milestone, we were pleased to partner with the New Jersey Credit Union League (NJCUL) and Hamilton Horizons Federal Credit Union to host an awesome Financial Reality Fair.

The fun, experiential workshop provided our middle, high school, and college students an opportunity to gain valuable tips through hands-on activities for managing their personal finances.

Special thanks to the phenomenal volunteers who shared their professional expertise and allowed the students to learn valuable lessons they can use to make better choices and perhaps avoid financial pitfalls as they transition into adulthood.

Financial Reality Fairs are hosted in schools across the state. To learn more, visit www.njcul.org.

Beyond Expectations has committed to help NJCUL raise awareness to expand their volunteer base. If you're interested, please feel free to contact Ms. Anglin at leontyne@beyondexp.net.

ANOTHER AWESOME DAY OF SERVICE!

March 2 -- What a wonderful time our team of volunteers had participating in this year's Read Across America. After receiving a warm welcome from Wanda Stansbury, Executive Director of the Center for Child and Family Achievement, Gregory School principal Michael Rosenberg, and Regional Superintendent Elizabeth DeJesus, we headed to our assigned classes ... reading books and leading activities.

We were thrilled to donate a mobile bookcase with our partner Target Burlington for the school's 5th grade Student Government Association which will reside in the new "Calm Reading Haven" that is currently under construction...

Sincere thanks to all of our phenomenal volunteers who continue to make time to serve.