Angelina Ning, 17, has brought new meaning to the phrase “productive summer” with her impressive camp for children from low-income families.
Ning moved to Boca Raton from Charlotte, NC the summer before she began attending the American Heritage School Boca/Delray for high school. This season, Ning decided to run a camp with classmates to help those less fortunate than them.
Purpose Academy, a local middle school for low-income students, is now home to Ning’s organization, Believe to Achieve, which encompasses student-led tutoring during the year at Purpose Academy and, now, classes for students in the form of a summer camp.
Ning’s passion for accessibility and education led her to create the program. “I initially wanted the kids to have an engaging summer because many of them don’t have a lot to do at home. A ton of kids were excited about it and hadn’t had the opportunity to explore core interests before,” she said.
The classes are certainly interesting. In a science course taught by Ning on July 7, students learned about chemical reactions by experimenting with toothpaste, vinegar and papier-mâché volcanoes. The next day, students harnessed their knowledge of computer basics, studying JavaScript syntax and programming.
According to Ning, the camp would not be possible without Mrs. Pratt, Purpose Academy’s Chief Academic Officer. Her generosity is apparent through her hands-on approach to educating her students.
“Mrs. Pratt actually goes to each camper’s home and brings them to Purpose Academy each day to make sure that they have a ride,” noted Ning.
To learn more about Purpose Academy and Believe to Achieve, click here.