Who We Are

The Red Bank Education and Development Initiative (the Initiative) was formed in 2001 to respond to the academic, social and cultural problems facing Red Bank, New Jersey children.  The Initiative was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) New Jersey not-for-profit charitable corporation on May 1, 2002.  The Initiative brings community stakeholders – families, schools, community organizations, and government – together in a team effort to identify and resolve problems.  This effort will result in clear plans for improving the lives of Red Bank children, new and improved services to implement the plans, and a committed team of community leaders to deal with future issues affecting Red Bank children.

What We Do 

“The mission of the Red Bank Education and Development Initiative is to assure that the academic success of all Red Bank children is competitive with that of the best communities in the country, while promoting cultural awareness and healthy social interactions.”

How We Do It

• Build a team of committed volunteers who represent a broad cross-section of the Red Bank community, and who have a significant stake in the success of Red Bank children.
   

• Raise awareness in the Red Bank community regarding the academic, social and cultural status of children.
   

• Recommend strategies for improving the academic, social and development health of Red Bank children.
   

• Encourage, facilitate and coordinate stakeholder organizations to develop or enhance specific services to implement the recommended strategies.
   

• Connect Red Bank children and families with available services and opportunities.
   

• Monitor, assess, and report on Red Bank's progress as we seek to become a first-class education community.

 The Goals We Seek

• vastly improved student performance – competitive with surrounding communities.
   

• much greater participation by Red Bank children in enriching recreational and cultural activities and programs.
   

• better access for students and families to services like quality health care and counseling.
   

• better communication and coordination between Red Bank families, schools and community organizations.
   

• a united and effective community team to address education and child development issues.
   

• a community and schools that are models of success for others to follow.
   

• a much-improved perception of Red Bank as a place to raise and educate children.

Who We're Working For:  Red Bank Kids!

As a result of the Initiative’s programs, academic achievement results will improve, and the perception of Red Bank as a place to educate children will be enhanced.  Children will have greater access to and participation in enriching social, cultural and recreational experiences.  Children and families will have greater awareness of and access to community services.  The Red Bank community will produce better students and better citizens.  These positive changes have already begun in Red Bank, and with continued effort and commitment, the Initiative will fulfill its mission.

Photo by Scott Longfield