At Give Chances, we prioritize homework completion and comprehension for academic success. Our afterschool program provides one-on-one tutoring for personalized assistance with assignments and test preparation. With a focus on Math and ELA enrichment, our in-person classes use credible materials to keep students ahead of the achievement gap.

We're committed to giving every student, regardless of their economic background, the chance to explore interests beyond the classroom. In our afterschool program, professionals in music, art, and physical education enhance the experience, offering students a creative outlet to discover and develop their talents.

Particularly, through an arts-integrated curriculum, students engage in hands-on visual arts, illustration, and creative writing alongside core subjects like reading and math.

We believe that art is more than a subject — it's a lens for discovery. Our instructors blend academic instruction with sketching, painting, collage-making, and storytelling to help students reflect on their own experiences, build self-confidence, and express themselves in new and powerful ways. Each child’s work is celebrated through class exhibitions, journals, and community showcases that affirm their voices.

By incorporating humanistic values such as empathy, reflection, and cultural appreciation into each lesson, Joyful Learning becomes a place where imagination meets opportunity — and where creativity becomes a pathway to confidence and connection.

Students can dive into the world of innovation with our STE(A)M programs, where students can choose tracks in computer programming, robotics, and art/design. Our engaging curriculum fosters creativity, critical thinking, and technological proficiency, empowering students to explore and excel in these dynamic fields.

Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, our Healing Program offers comprehensive support. We provide counseling for both students and parents, creating a nurturing environment to address challenges. If further psychological assistance is needed, we offer referrals to ensure a holistic approach to emotional health and resilience.

The Jersey City Art Education Program by Give Chances is a transformative after-school initiative designed to provide high-quality, inclusive art education to low-income students and individuals with developmental disabilities. Rooted in the belief that access to creative opportunities should not be determined by income or ability, this program fosters self-expression, confidence, and community connection through the arts.

The program offers a dynamic curriculum of hands-on art workshops covering drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, mixed media, and experimental techniques. These sessions are led by experienced instructors and artists who mentor participants in developing technical skills and discovering their creative voice.

What sets this program apart is its integration of participants from diverse backgrounds — low-income children learning alongside artists with developmental disabilities through our DDartists initiative. The program provides one-on-one and small group mentoring, helping each participant set goals, receive individualized feedback, and gain confidence as both learners and creators.

Students also have the opportunity to publicly exhibit their artwork at local galleries, community centers, and civic spaces, allowing them to share their talents with the broader community and develop skills in presentation and communication.

Through its inclusive model, the Jersey City Art Education Program breaks down barriers to participation in the arts, challenges stereotypes, and fosters a more vibrant and equitable creative landscape in Jersey City.