Newark Public Schools’ Entrepreneurs Take Their Business to the National Stage

NEWARK, N.J. – West Side High School’s student entrepreneurs brought their business skills to the national stage at the Young Entrepreneurz Solutions (YES) National Business Plan Challenge.

Representing their student-run enterprise, West Side Vending, teammates Hassan Reed, Kazmir Cray, Nia Jack, and Brailynn George – all seniors – earned first place for their business plan and presentation.

West Side Vending offers vending-machine leases, giving students an opportunity to apply classroom learning to a business serving their school community. The national competition provided a platform for the team to present its enterprise alongside young entrepreneurs from across the United States.

“Our students are learning how to turn ideas into opportunities through planning, teamwork, and the confidence to present their work on a national stage,” said Superintendent León. “West Side Vending demonstrates the power of connecting classroom instruction with practical experience. We are proud of these students and the educators who are preparing them to become business leaders.”

The event’s schedule included team presentations on September 25 and the selection of winners and presentation of student awards on September 26. YES, founded by entrepreneur and former Rutgers University adjunct professor Ernest Ruffin Jr., teaches students in grades 6 through 12 the foundations of entrepreneurship and economic development, helping them develop the skills to start or grow businesses. West Side High School is home of the district’s Business and Finance Academy.

“These experiences help students see themselves as creators, problem-solvers, and leaders,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We congratulate the West Side Vending team for representing Newark and putting their business knowledge into action.”

West Side’s participation builds on a history of success in the YES competition. In 2023, seniors Hapsatou Fatty, Alyssa Lopez, and Shamar Richards won first place in the competition, with their presentation for Rider Heat Hot Sauce. Their entrepreneurship coursework and a partnership with the Newark Beth Israel Farmers Market supported the development, marketing, and sales of that business.

“Our students have taken ownership of West Side Vending, and this competition gave them an opportunity to share their work with a national audience,” said West Side High School Principal Akbar Cook. “The experience of building a business and presenting it to others helps them develop skills they can carry into college, careers, and ventures of their own.”