Starr Barrett is fundraising
Help Modernize East Orange New Jersey's Historic School
Help Us Restore the Historic Dean School & Carry Forward a Legacy of Service for 6th-12th graders
For over four decades, this building has been more than just walls and classrooms — it’s been a second home, a safe haven, and a launchpad for countless children and families in Newark, East Orange, and surrounding communities.
But now, it needs your help.
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A Legacy Built by Ms. Clara Dean
In 1984, Ms. Clara Dean, a trailblazing entrepreneur and community advocate, fulfilled her lifelong dream of uplifting inner-city children by opening the Weequahic Park Multi-Purpose Center, later known as Bethune Academy. It began in St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church and eventually moved into its permanent home in East Orange in 1988.
Ms. Dean was unstoppable:
• A licensed nurse, educator, and Affirmative Action officer
• A graduate of Rutgers, Felician College, and Jersey City State
• Founder of one of Essex County’s first free food programs
• A transportation mogul who built a fleet of over 120 vehicles
• And most importantly — a fierce believer in our children and their potential
Her school grew from a preschool to a full charter elementary school. She gave everything to this vision — time, energy, wisdom, and love.
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Why We Need the Money
This building has not been updated since the 1980s.
The classrooms are outdated. The infrastructure is aging. The technology is obsolete. And most importantly, we need funding to hire qualified teachers and staff, supply modern educational tools, and create safe, inspiring spaces for students to thrive.
Today, Ms. Dean’s granddaughter, alongside her partner, is carrying that legacy forward — and they’re inviting the community to be a part of the next chapter.
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What Your Donation Will Fund
✅ Full renovation of the 1st and 2nd floor classrooms (flooring, lighting, HVAC, paint, furniture)
✅ Installation of modern technology (smart boards, laptops, Wi-Fi)
✅ Updated books, curriculum materials, and classroom supplies
✅ Salaries for qualified teachers, aides, and enrichment instructors
✅ Launch of innovative new programs that go beyond traditional education
✅ Safe, beautiful, and functional learning environments that reflect the value of every student
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What Makes This School Different
This isn’t just about restoring a building — it’s about redefining what education can be.
We’re building a school where:
• Students learn to build wealth, not just pass tests
• Life skills and leadership are taught right alongside math and reading
• Emotional wellness and personal legacy are as important as academics
• Real-world practice replaces outdated theory
Our school prepares children for life, not just for college. We are raising tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, visionaries, healers, and leaders.
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Our Bold, Real-World Curriculum
Entrepreneurship & Wealth
Launching Startups, Investments 101, Branding, Market Disruption, E-commerce, Real Estate Basics, Crowdfunding
♀️ Holistic Wellness
Meditation, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, Reiki, Energy Balancing, Emotional Intelligence
Power & Influence
Diplomacy, Psychological Warfare, How to Lead Governments, Crisis Management, Spotting Weak Leaders, Negotiation Mastery
Legacy Building
Estate Planning, Trusts & Wills, Generational Wealth, Family Business Management
Social Engineering & Media
Social Influence, Propaganda Analysis, Media Creation, Memetics
Practical Life
Taxes, Credit, Car & Home Buying, Legal Literacy, Licensing
Simulation Labs
Live Startup Pitches, Crisis Negotiation Scenarios, Family Dynamic Roleplay, Government Takeover Simulations
Enrichment Tracks
Capoeira, Sound Therapy, Visual Arts, Chess, Survivalism, Spiritual Studies
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Let’s Build a Future Together
The school Ms. Clara Dean founded helped raise generations.
Now it’s time to reimagine what’s possible — with your help.
Donate what you can — no amount is too small
Share this campaign far and wide
Follow our journey and be a part of our transformation
Let’s honor a legacy. Let’s inspire the future. Let’s rebuild this dream.
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