Newark, NJ – April 10, 2024 – Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark is joining with New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Brick City Peace Collective, People’s Assembly, and Gateway U to host “Instant Decision College and Career Exploration” tomorrow, Thursday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the NJIT Wellness and Events Center, located at 104 Lock Street.
At the event, 500 high school seniors selected from Newark public and charter schools will be able to get instant decisions on their college and trade school applications from institutions in attendance. The colleges and trade schools will provide student support to navigate a post-secondary education plan. Additionally, nearly 100 college ambassadors will work directly with the high school students to guide them through the programs and event activities.
“The college admission process can be a daunting one for high school seniors and we want to enable them to achieve their dreams of success, manifest their excellence, and become the change they want to see in the world,” Mayor Baraka said. “My administration is committed to helping those seniors through this process, and the ‘Instant Decision College and Career Exploration’ event will do so. I thank our partners for their support and congratulate all the seniors who will benefit from this program.”
“Mayor Baraka leads the way with creating a collective approach to solving problems,” said Chief Education Officer Dr. Sharnee Brown. “Through collective impact, the City of Newark and a host of partners are collaborating with one goal: to ensure every senior in Newark has a solid plan when exiting high school. We hope that this event can act as a bridge to help high schoolers answer some pertinent lingering questions and to ease some of the post-secondary anxiety that families feel as their children near graduation. Our colleges and trade schools are eager to recruit seniors, hopefully creating a clearer path to success!”
Local academic institutions participating in the event include Saint Elizabeth University, Saint Peter’s University, Caldwell University, Montclair State University, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, and New Community Career & Technical Institute.
“This is a great opportunity for the students of Newark as we are dedicated to providing students with the resources needed to excel,” said Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger León. “We are committed to ensuring that every student is equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive. We foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that prepares them to confidently navigate their path towards college success and returning to give back to the great city of Newark.”
This is the first such collaboration to support the college entry process for Newark students selected by the Board of Education and charter schools. The students will arrive prepared with multiple copies of their personal statements and academic transcripts.
“This event is a critical opportunity for our Newark students to take the next step in their educational and career journeys. NJIT is proud to host this important event and support the educational and career aspirations of Newark’s students,” said Dr. Teik Lim, President of NJIT. “Providing access to higher education and career opportunities is essential for empowering our city’s youth and strengthening our community.”
Sponsors of the event include NJIT, Brick City Peace Collective, Gateway U, the Office of Comprehensive Community Education, Newark Public Schools, and the Newark People’s Assembly.
