NEWARK, N.J. – Dozens of the district’s middle school students have spent part of their summer learning about careers in dentistry as they visited Central High School’s Dental Academy through Newark Public Schools’ Jump Start program. The program introduces middle school students to the district’s many specialized high school programs before they begin the high school application process.

Inside Central High School’s dental laboratory, students learned about oral health, the anatomy of a tooth, proper brushing techniques, infection prevention, and the role of dental assistants through interactive demonstrations led by instructors Sylvia Bryson and Xiomara Alves, both teachers of dental assisting and registered dental hygienists.

Throughout the session, students colored diagrams of tooth anatomy, practiced effective brushing techniques using plaque-disclosing tablets, and learned about the personal protective equipment used by healthcare professionals.

Assisting the instructors were members of Newark Public Schools’ Future Business Leaders program, including twin sisters Sasha Scott and Sahay Scott, rising seniors at Central, who helped guide students through the day’s hands-on activities.

The Central High School Dental Assisting Academy prepares students for careers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare fields. Students in the program have opportunities to earn nationally recognized credentials, including the Dental Assisting National Board Infection Control certification, CPR certification, OSHA 10 certification, and participate in clinical internships before graduating from high school 

“Jump Start gives our elementary students an opportunity to begin imagining the future that awaits them in our high schools,” said Superintendent León. “By stepping inside classrooms like Central High School’s Dental Assisting Academy, students see that their education can lead directly to college, industry credentials, and meaningful careers. Experiences like these advance the vision of the strategic plan by helping every student discover pathways that match their interests, talents, and aspirations.”

Students participating in Jump Start visit all six comprehensive high schools over a two-week period, experiencing the distinctive academic programs and career pathways each school offers. In addition to Central High School, students visit schools where they explore engineering, robotics, performing arts, athletics, and other specialized learning opportunities designed to help them make informed decisions about their high school education.

“One of the Board of Education’s priorities is ensuring every student has access to opportunities that prepare them for success after graduation,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Jump Start allows students to see firsthand the outstanding programs available throughout Newark Public Schools while inspiring them to think about the careers and futures they can begin building in our classrooms.”

District Career and Technical Education Supervisor Colleen Troiano said Jump Start is designed to expose students to the breadth of opportunities available across Newark Public Schools before they enter high school.

“For many of these students, today is their first opportunity to visit one of our specialized high schools,” Troiano said. “By giving them hands-on experiences and introducing them to our teachers, students, and career programs, we’re helping them make informed decisions while showing them the incredible opportunities that exist right here in Newark Public Schools.”

The district’s Jump Start program continues through next week, with middle school students visiting multiple high school campuses and participating in engaging activities that highlight the innovative academic and career-focused programs offered across Newark Public Schools.