STEM Alliance Dazzles With 'A Taste of Co-Op' For Summer Enrichment

MAMARONECK, NY — A rousing fundraiser not only helped close a budget gap, but also helped spread the word about one of region's most consequential programs.

The STEM Alliance recently held "A Taste of Co-Op," a fundraiser for the Co-Op Summer Enrichment, Mamaroneck's subsidized summer program for low-income children. Organizers say that the evening managed to capture both the essence and impact of Co-Op Summer Enrichment, which was recently awarded the Excellence in Summer Learning Award from the New York Life Foundation and the National Summer Learning Association. The national honor recognizes high-quality programs that promote social well-being and accelerate academic growth.

Co-Op Summer Enrichment, a Mamaroneck School District program led by The STEM Alliance, is an essential summer program that provides five weeks of academic and recreational experiences for over 300 students from all of the district's cshools, including employing local teens and college students. The program mostly serves families with financial need, offering them access to quality learning opportunities and summer activities. This is necessary in order to combat the "Summer Slide," where children experience a decline in academic skills and knowledge during the summer break.

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Guests who entered the party space at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck, soon realized that this was no ordinary fundraiser. Colorful tablecloths were topped with decorative flags and smiling stuffed tigers in camp t-shirts, while oversized award ribbons were placed around the room.

Over 100 community members got into the camp spirit while having dinner at tables with names like "Color Wars," "Field Trips," "Aquatics," and "Math Cave." The event featured home-cooked Latin American dishes provided by Co-Op families as their own contribution to the community program.

The "Taste of Co-Op" event featured a presentation by past and current Co-Op counselors, educators and campers. Their interactive presentation engaged the crowd and made them feel like they were at an awards show. The program's mascot, Chance the Tiger, also made a surprise visit at the end of the evening.

One of the people featured during the presentation was Kelly Tapia, Bilingual Universal Banker at M&T Bank, who was not only on the event committee but is also a former Co-Op camper herself.
"I know first hand how impactful Co-Op is," Tapia said. "I learned to swim at Co-Op when I was a child and now I participate as a volunteer supporting their reading room. The program really does blend summer learning with summer fun."

The event raised $42,000, bringing the Co-Op Summer Enrichment program closer to its overall fundraising goal of $220,000. However, a fundraising gap of $24,000 still remains. While Co-Op receives support from the Mamaroneck School District, the Town of Mamaroneck and the Village of Mamaroneck, additional funding is necessary to provide students with a high-quality, enriching summer experience.

"We were thrilled to have so many community members and local officials come out to support our award-winning program and look forward to another memorable summer," Margaret Käufer, President of The STEM Alliance, said.

Learn more about how to help Co-Op Summer Enrichment here.

The STEM Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing K-12 STEM education and enrichment initiatives to benefit students, parents and educators in schools and the community. Their stated mission is to bridge systemic gaps to provide equal access to critical science, technology, engineering and math learning resources with the goal of empowering communities, inspiring innovation and creating opportunity for all. Summer 2024 will be the eighth year of Co-Op leadership by The STEM Alliance. Find out more about the organization here.