501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Founded by Dawn Brunson · New Jersey

Foundation
for Impact &
Transformation

F  ·  I  ·  T

Empowering youth, strengthening families, and building sustainable pathways to leadership and opportunity — across every stage of life.

Support Our Mission Learn More
🎯
Youth-First, Community-Rooted Serving ages 11–18 and their families through intergenerational programming
🏫
Partnering with Paterson, NJ Schools Eastside, STEAM HS, Rosa Parks, JFK, P-TECH & more across the city
🔬
Real-World, Experiential Learning Students apply physics, design, business & storytelling to original projects
💜
From Foundation to Legacy Building generational impact, not just short-term outcomes
Who We Are

A Foundation Built for the Long Haul

FIT Institute is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and building sustainable pathways to leadership and opportunity. We operate through an intergenerational, whole-person model — because lasting change happens when individuals are supported within the context of family and community.

Founded & Led By

Dawn Brunson

Director & Executive Director, FIT Institute & Director, GEAR UP NJ College Bound SMT Program at Passaic County Community College. Dawn brings decades of experience in college access, youth development, and community leadership — making FIT Institute a natural extension of the federally recognized work she leads daily in Paterson, NJ.

Leadership Development
Experiential Learning
Family Engagement
Community Impact
Whole-Person Growth
Intergenerational Connection

Our Mission

To serve as a foundation for impact and transformation by empowering youth, families, and communities through leadership, education, and real-world experiences that foster growth, access, and opportunity across the life continuum.

Our Vision

To build a future where individuals and families are equipped, supported, and inspired to thrive at every stage of life — and where communities are strengthened through sustained, intergenerational impact and transformation.

2026 Program Model

Four Seasons of Transformation

Our year-round engagement model builds momentum, deepens connections, and supports development from foundation to legacy.

Q1 · Spring
March 2026
IGNITE
Youth Empowerment Retreat

A high-energy leadership experience designed to spark identity, confidence, and purpose — establishing a strong foundation for personal growth.

01
Q2 · Spring
May 2026
BUILD
CREATE U: Theme Park Expo

A signature showcase where students demonstrate creativity, innovation, and the impact of experiential education through real-world project presentations.

02
Q3 · Summer
August 2026
EXPAND
Intergenerational Family Engagement

An interactive experience strengthening relationships across generations — equipping youth and caregivers with tools to grow together and build a shared vision.

03
Q4 · Winter
December 2026
CELEBRATE
Holiday Extravaganza

A culminating experience combining community service with cultural exposure — reinforcing values of service and strengthening community bonds.

04
Student Spotlight

GEAR UP NJ @ PCCC:
The Theme Park Project

Students from schools across Paterson, NJ spent an entire academic year studying the theme park industry — from design and physics to business strategy and storytelling. They didn't just study it. They built their own.

Using physics principles, students engineered an original roller coaster — calculating forces, testing safety, and validating that their design actually works. Their culminating project: a fully conceptualized theme park, presented publicly at the CREATE U: Theme Park Expo on May 2nd, 2026 at Passaic County Community College.

🎢
Physics-Based Roller Coaster Design Students applied real engineering principles to design, calculate, and validate an original coaster — verifying structural and mechanical soundness.
🏫
8+ Paterson Schools Represented Eastside High, STEAM HS, Rosa Parks, JFK, P-TECH, School 2, School 10, AHA, and International High School.
🗓️
CREATE U Expo — May 2nd, 2026 Public showcase at PCCC Gymnasium, 204 Ellison St, Paterson NJ · 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM · Open to all.
✈️
Field Research: Disney & Universal The culminating experience brings students to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando to observe and analyze the industry concepts they've been applying all year.
Leadership

Board of Directors

FIT Institute is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors bringing expertise in youth development, education, finance, law, and community leadership.

👤
Upload Headshot
Dawn Brunson
Director & Executive Director

Dawn Brunson is the founder and Executive Director of FIT Institute and serves concurrently as the Director of the GEAR UP NJ College Bound SMT Program at Passaic County Community College — a federally funded program serving students across Paterson, NJ. Her dual leadership uniquely positions FIT Institute at the intersection of institutional expertise and community-driven impact.

👤
Upload Headshot
Melody Bundy
Co-Director

Placeholder bio — share Melody's background, professional expertise, and connection to the FIT Institute mission. 2–3 sentences recommended.

👤
Upload Headshot
Brock Brunson
Financial Secretary

Placeholder bio — share Brock's background, professional expertise, and connection to the FIT Institute mission. 2–3 sentences recommended.

Dr. Alison Alexander
Dr. Alison Alexander
Secretary

Dr. Alison Alexander is an educator, reading specialist and literacy advocate with more than two decades of experience helping children and families unlock the power of reading. She holds a Ph.D. in Education and works with a national nonprofit committed to children's literacy across the country. Dr. Alexander is also the founder of Granny's House, a Science of Reading based curriculum bringing literacy to life through storytelling and song. She is proud to serve as Secretary of the FIT Institute Board of Directors.

Zende Larmar Clark
Zende Larmar Clark
Resource & Development

An accomplished educational leader with over 36 years of service in public education, Ms. Clark has held key roles including Director of Secondary Education in Hillside Public Schools and Interim Superintendent — the first African American to lead the district in that role. She holds advanced degrees in reading, educational administration, and mathematics, with doctoral studies at Fordham University, and currently serves as Curriculum Specialist for the Pre-College Program at PCCC.

👤
Upload Headshot
Azarine Newmen
Community & Partnerships

Placeholder bio — share Azarine's background, professional expertise, and connection to the FIT Institute mission. 2–3 sentences recommended.

👤
Upload Headshot
[Board Member Name]
Marketing & Communications

Placeholder bio — share this board member's background, professional expertise, and connection to the FIT Institute mission. 2–3 sentences recommended.

Our Partners

Community & Academic Partners

FIT Institute collaborates with institutions committed to expanding access and opportunity for students across New Jersey.

🎓

PCCC Office of Pre-College Programs

Passaic County Community College's pre-college division prepares students from Paterson and surrounding communities for higher education through college-access programming and academic enrichment.

Visit PCCC Pre-College Programs
🚀

GEAR UP New Jersey

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs — a federally funded initiative administered by the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. GEAR UP @ PCCC (College Bound SMT) serves students across Paterson, NJ, preparing them to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Visit GEAR UP NJ State Programs
Get in Touch

Connect With FIT Institute

Whether you're a donor, community partner, school, or family — we want to hear from you.

📧
Email [email protected]
📞
Phone [INSERT PHONE NUMBER]
📍
Registered Office State of New Jersey
🏛️
Legal Status 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · EIN: 41-4972140

Send Us a Message