Fostering self-reliant families and healthy, sustainable communities.
February 2020
Dear Friend,

At Isles Youth Institute, we know that education goes beyond obtaining a high school diploma. Our alternative school supports students in achieving their academic and employment goals while emphasizing the character and leadership development skills vital to their long-term success and well-being. Our students are the future of Trenton. They will improve Trenton’s economy, spark homeownership and represent their constituents on City Council. Our job is to provide “the future of Trenton” with opportunities to impact their community.

That's why civic engagement is so integral to IYI. We believe in consistency, ongoing collaboration, and maintaining strong connections within the community. One example is our 10-year relationship with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen where our students regularly volunteer. Another highlight is our five-year partnership with the Trenton Thunder F.I.E.L.D. Program in which our students help renovate little league fields across Trenton. Read about both below.

Lastly, February is Black History Month! Join us on February 27 at City Hall for a Closing Celebration featuring IYI students' art and poetry.

Thank you for being a part of our students' journey.

In community,
10 Years of Service
IYI's 10-year relationship with the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (T.A.S.K.) has taught students the importance of serving our community and has shaped them into well rounded individuals. This is no small feat—IYI students have served more than 3,200 meals over 44 hours in recent years.

"I find it important because there are a lot of families out there that even though they have jobs they don't have the funds to feed their families. It feels good to give back to my community," described current IYI student Azaviah Donaldson.

Students use this volunteer time to develop job skills, interact with community members and build their resume. IYI and T.A.S.K. also partner with the City's Probation Department to help individuals complete their community service hours. It's a chance for students to lead by example and motivate newcomers.

Our partnership with T.A.S.K. doesn't stop at the kitchen. We continue to collaborate on events such as IYI Spoken Word held at the Passage Theater in Trenton. This IYI-hosted event is an opportunity where students, community members, artists and musicians can unite for an evening of creativity and entertainment.

Here's to another 10 years of service as we continue to enrich our youth and better our community!
IYI Gallery at City Hall
On Thursday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m., IYI will participate in the Closing Celebration of Black History Month in City Hall. This event will feature an art gallery with student paintings of famous Black History figures, presentations, poetry readings and spoken word performances. Please join us in celebrating our students' work.
A Thunderous Renovation
This spring marks the fifth year of IYI participating in the Trenton Thunder F.I.E.L.D program—an initiative that supports youth baseball and restores old fields. The Trenton Thunder crew, IYI, City of Trenton and others will once again come together to renovate a little league field in Trenton. For more information about the F.I.E.L.D. program see last year's press release.
FoodCorps is Recruiting!
Want to teach kids about healthy food in schools? Apply to be a  FoodCorps  service member and serve with Isles. You’ll work with schools to teach students to grow, cook, and taste new food, influence healthy school meals, and help build a schoolwide culture of health. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until March 13th.

Find Your Space at Mill One
We’re now leasing at the Social Profit Center at Mill One! Looking for nonprofit or social impact office space, artist studios, or flex spaces? Check out our website to learn more and submit a leasing inquiry.