Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
Clubs & Activities
Leadership & Personal Development
Discover your strengths. Build your confidence. Make an impact.
Leadership grows through the choices you make, the goals you pursue, and the people you support. Explore opportunities to serve, develop your interests, connect with mentors, and help build a school community where students belong.

Your interests, your next step
Choose a path for your growth.
Explore each opportunity with the school advisor. Some programs have a selection or registration process, so begin with a conversation about the current steps.
Scholarship, service, leadership, character
National Honor Society
NHS recognizes students who demonstrate its four pillars and contribute to their school and community. Membership is earned through the school chapter’s selection process. Students interested in NHS should learn the current local requirements and consider how their actions show each pillar.
- Developing scholarship and strong character
- Serving the school and wider community
- Taking responsibility as a student leader
Advisor
Grace Anderson
Get involved: Ask Grace Anderson about current eligibility, the chapter’s selection process, deadlines, and member expectations.
Guidance and connection
Mentor Newark
A supportive connection can help you see new possibilities. Mentor Newark connects young people with mentoring support and positive role models. At Data Science, start with the school advisor to learn about current opportunities to reflect on goals, build confidence, and connect with others.
- Reflecting on strengths and future goals
- Learning through supportive relationships
- Developing confidence and a sense of direction
Advisor
Charmaine Summers
Get involved: Speak with Charmaine Summers about the current school program and how to participate.
Personal challenge and achievement
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award offers a framework for setting goals and developing through service, skills, physical recreation, and an adventurous journey. Participants work toward personal progress over time. Ask about the school’s current registration and planning process before starting.
- Setting goals and documenting progress
- Building skills and contributing through service
- Developing perseverance and independence
Advisor
Grace Anderson
Get involved: Connect with Grace Anderson to discuss the appropriate level, requirements, registration, and school-supported arrangements.
Belonging, inclusion, and allyship
LGBT/GSA
Explore a community centered on respect, inclusion, and understanding. LGBT/GSA offers a place for students interested in identity, allyship, and a welcoming school culture to connect. Ask about current meetings and how students can contribute to inclusive activities.
- Building respectful connections
- Exploring inclusion and allyship
- Contributing to a welcoming school community
Find your club contact
Start with the main office
Get involved: Ask the main office to connect you with the current LGBT/GSA advisor.
Make growth visible
Set a goal. Build a habit. See your progress.
An award, membership, or completed project represents work along the way. Keep track of the goals you set, responsibilities you take on, and lessons you learn. Your growth story can help you reflect on your next step.
Choose a goal
Name one strength you want to develop or one contribution you want to make.
Plan with support
Work with the advisor to understand the program’s requirements and agree on next steps.
Follow through
Show up, keep a useful record, and communicate when you need help.
Reflect & build
Consider what changed, what you learned, and what you want to pursue next.
Current students
Turn interest into involvement.
Start with a conversation. Your advisor can explain the current schedule, available activities, and any participation steps.
Pick a starting point
Choose an activity that matches something you enjoy or something you want to learn. Use the advisor listed in the directory as your first contact.
Get the current details
Ask about meeting days, time, location, joining steps, materials, and any requirements. If a contact is not listed, the main office can help connect you.
Show up and contribute
Make a realistic commitment, communicate conflicts, and come ready to learn with others. Follow the advisor’s directions and school expectations.
Prospective students & families
Imagine the connections you could make.
Student life helps you discover interests, develop confidence, and find a place in the school community. When you explore Data Science, ask students and staff about the activities that matter to you and what participation looks like.
Ask advisors about current opportunities and any eligibility or selection requirements. Specific projects and meeting arrangements may change through the school year.
Before you begin
Good questions. Clear next steps.
Can I sign up for NHS automatically?
NHS membership follows a local chapter selection process. Ask Grace Anderson about the school’s current eligibility criteria, selection timeline, and expectations. Expressing interest does not guarantee selection.
How do I start the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?
Meet with Grace Anderson to understand the school’s registration process and plan the required sections. Activities and recordkeeping should follow the approved Award arrangements.
Does participation automatically count toward graduation service hours?
Ask your counselor and the activity advisor to confirm whether a particular service activity meets school requirements and how to document it. Keep your records, but do not assume all club time counts as service.
Who can help me find the LGBT/GSA advisor?
The main office can connect you with the current advisor and help you find meeting and participation information.
Who can help if I am unsure where to start?
Visit the main office or call 973-350-5088 to connect with the appropriate school contact. Share the activity name so staff can point you in the right direction.
The resources provided below are to assist students with their Social and Emotional needs. Please click the links below for services offered by our SEL partners.