Newark Board of Education Hosts First College Fair Under Local Control

Fair Exposes Nearly 2,500 Seniors Early and Often to College Choices


[Newark, NJ, October 26, 2018] The Newark Board of Education hosted the first College Fair since the return of local control to the school district. Superintendent of Newark Schools Roger León, upon being named Superintendent, indicated that it would be a priority of his administration to begin the process of college preparation for students, not in the 11th or 12 grades, but earlier to prepare students as early as the 8th grade to plan their college journey.

The College Fair was held at the Prudential Center in Newark on Wednesday. In all, 42 colleges 2,300 senior students, from 17 high schools attended the College Fair. Superintendent León said, “I want to thank the Prudential Center and the Newark Board of Education staff who helped to create and host the College Fair and inspire our students before and at the fair. We will also host a second college fair in the Spring to provide another opportunity for our students to prepare for college.” He continued, “Choosing a college is one of life’s most important decisions, which is why college preparation is a priority for me, the school district and the members of the Board of Education.”

In addition to the college fair, Superintendent León has developed a plan whereby all senior transcripts are being audited to ensure students have taken the required classes, not just for graduation, but also for college entrance. Also, this year, the Newark Board of Education hosted the PSAT for a larger percentage of 8th grade students. The Superintendent indicated that he wanted to give students more than one opportunity to take the required testing for college entrance. The Newark Board of Education is also working with Rutgers Newark City of Learning Collaborative to increase the number of Newark residents and high school graduates are attending college.”

In closing, the Superintendent said, “This is the first time; the city of Newark, Rutgers, Essex County College, charter schools and the Newark Board of Education have undertaken the most aggressive and collaborative approach to moving students and Newark citizens to college.”