MADE in Dover: A Look Back

By Bob Howitt Judge, social worker, lawyer, police officer, entrepreneur, teacher, engineer. These are just some of the professions members of the MADE in Dover program went on to pursue.

MADE, which stood for Make a Difference Educationally, was based out of the Baker Opera House about 30 years ago and was simply referred to as MID.

Each year, the program brought together a dozen rising eighth-graders. Between 1995 and 2000, they graduated from high school. Selections were made with the guidance of Dover school counselors. About 85% of the members were Hispanic, and virtually all were considered financially challenged. Some 17 countries were represented.

MID was established by the WKBJ Foundation, which had been funded by anonymous Wall Street donors. I served as the foundation’s executive director, assisted by my wife, Jodie.

MID’s objective was to couple success in high school with a look forward to college. During the school year and summer break, the program offered multiple activities designed to provide educational experiences for its members.

Inspiration for creative writing during the school break often came from natural surroundings, for example, Hedden Park. MID also had a newsletter, aptly named by a student, MIDtropolis News. In addition to the regular collection of student-written articles, we also had special writing days. During one, students wrote an entire edition of comments on and an analysis of the many factors pertinent to immigration.

There were trips to see New Jersey Nets basketball games, or at least to see the opposition, as the Nets were typically terrible. Partnering with Ed Nazarro, a Dover High School teacher, MID brought the play Botanica to Dover, selling out the auditorium on a winter night. Participation in the various facets of MID earned the student points, which had monetary value redeemable after high school for furtherance of their education and career aspirations.

Following MID, the WKBJ Foundation launched several additional programs that challenged young people to aim higher, perhaps one level above their expectations or those of their family. These efforts began at high school graduation and thus had somewhat different dynamics than MID.

In these endeavors, WKBJ continued to make writing a key component. For many years, we published—and I edited—a quarterly magazine, Forum, written by students. At times, a volunteer component of a program established a mentality that became lifelong for many participants.

Beginning with MID, our consistent approach was to meet frequently with program members.

Many of the relationships established have continued decades later, testimony to a fundamental belief that we were supporting the whole person and cared about their path in life, their ability to achieve whatever constituted their dreams.

Recently, I was privileged to tour the Richards Building to see the extensive development underway to convert the structure into a hybrid nonprofit entity serving both artistic endeavors and multiple commercial tenants. Everything about it was impressive—the vision, the recognition of the many management challenges, and the role its programs can play in the community. Flip the calendar back many pages, and MID members and those of ensuing programs would have loved having access to what the new building will offer.

WKBJ phased down a half-dozen years ago and closed its Dover office. I am not a stranger to the town, meeting up with friends and MID alumni at one of the many Dover restaurants or coffee shops. As Dover’s physical revitalization continues, I hope the town will remain true to itself. Since WKBJ established MID, I have always believed that Dover should not confuse itself through comparisons with neighboring locales, but instead say a proud “Yes” to the label of being a Hispanic town.