NJEA, iPlay America team up on educational programs

The New Jersey Education Association and the iPlay America entertainment venue are partnering on a variety of educational events and programs, they announced Thursday.

The statewide teachers union, headquartered in Trenton, and the gaming and events complex in Freehold are sponsoring Danny’s Book Club, a longstanding program that encourages children to read, and iPlay America’s Science Fair 2018, a science competition for students around the Garden State.

In addition, they will work together on the Read Across America Program and the NJEA Teacher of the Year program.

“NJEA is excited to have the opportunity to connect with the many New Jersey families who enjoy the fun and educational activities at iPlay America,” Dawn M. Hiltner, NJEA’s associate director for organizing & coalition building, said in a prepared statement. “We know that it’s important to work closely with families to ensure that our students are successful in school and life.”

The partnership includes co-promotion of events and spotlighting educational opportunities for New Jersey schoolchildren, the NJEA and iPlay America said.

“The NJEA is the perfect partner to help us empower New Jersey’s youth in science and reading,” Jessica Schwartz, iPlay America’s vice president of sales and marketing, said in a statement. “IPlay America is committed to our community, our state and to promoting educational opportunity and excellence.”