What is Project MARS?
A youth development program that provides environmental stewardship, community outreach and service learning with activities designed to improve academic achievement and storm water management awareness.
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Environmental Stewardship
Project MARS works directly with ACF’s Community Leadership Training Institute and other community based organizations providing leadership opportunities. Youth participants are engaged in workshop and group sessions focused on environmental education and leadership development.
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Community Outreach
Project MARS, a part of ACF’s Project Neighborhood Environmental Action Team (NEAT), interacts with staff and task force members to execute the projects set forth during the program year. Program participants are actively involved in all of NEAT’s efforts and activities in storm water management related to recycling, debris removals, container gardens and tree planting, just to name a few.
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Service-Learning
Project MARS will do a minimum of two service-learning projects in 2007 by collaborating with American Cities Foundation’s Project NEAT’s Physical Improvements section, other community based organizations, schools, and/or a local college.
Who is eligible?
Students from local high schools who entered the ninth grade in September 2006.
Where does it take place?
Most activities will take place at St. Joseph’s University Campus, Bellermine Hall located at the 5600 block of Overbrook Avenue, in West Philadelphia. Some activities will take place offsite, e.g. area schools, community based organizations and other locations in Metropolitan Philadelphia.
When does it take place?
The Environmental Enrichment Program meets on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The program does not operate on major holidays or during inclement weather.