CAMBRIDGE – The Cambridge Empowerment Center will offer new children’s programming beginning June 20 in its Pine Street headquarters, the board of directors announced May 17. Licensed by the State of Maryland and operating as Pine Street Enrichment Program, these programs will use creative techniques to teach reading and math in a varied curriculum that will also include sports, arts and crafts and other enriching activities.

The PSEP is open to all children, regardless of their ability to pay.

“The board of directors is immensely pleased to offer these programs to the community,” president of the board of directors Carlton Stanley said. “We have worked hard over the past four months to reach this goal and we thank Sharon Chester, director of programming, for her leadership.”

Cambridge Empowerment Center emphasizes learning about reading and math using innovative teaching to inspire students, some of whom were left behind academically during the pandemic.

To present these programs, the center collaborates with other aligned organizations in Dorchester County, including the Grade Level Reading Coalition, to ensure children are reading at grade level by third grade. The center has also teamed up with the Harriet Tubman Museum on Race Street, led by Linda Harris, who provides music instruction and historical lessons about the Underground Railroad.

“We are grateful to those who support our efforts including the Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Charitable Foundation Trust, the Bryan Brothers Foundation, the Women and Girls Fund, and numerous other funders and donors,” treasurer Christina Driscoll said. “We are also thankful to the city of Cambridge and Dorchester County for their assistance.”

Afterschool programs will begin in the fall. The center’s vision is to turn the Empowerment Center into a hub of activity for all ages, seven days a week, year-round.

Summer Enrichment Program

Cambridge Empowerment Center’s summer program will be held for nine weeks from June

20 to Aug. 18 for children ages 5-12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

The emphasis will be on academics with reading and math activities each day. Also included will be sports, arts and crafts, Tai Chi, STEM, cooking and educational field trips.

The cost to parents is $75 per child for the entire summer. Scholarships will also be available for those who are unable to pay.

To request an application for the summer programs, call 410-901-1397 or visit the center

at 615B Pine St. Monday through Thursday, 2-5 p.m.

“To make this programming possible, the center is seeking funding for scholarships as well as

general support. We are also looking for volunteers to work with students,” Driscoll said.

More information can be found at cambridgeempowermentcenter.org.