NEWARK, N.J. – Twenty-two District high school students have been selected as College Board BigFuture Ambassadors to encourage other students to explore the resources available on the College Board’s BigFuture platform.
The BigFuture platform is a step-by-step online guide for students to help students plan for college and their future careers. It offers tools and information on choosing a college, exploring majors, understanding financial aid and scholarships, and preparing for college applications.
The role of the BigFuture Ambassadors is to help make college planning more accessible to students and motivate them to take advantage of the resources available to them. They share information about college admissions, financial aid, and career planning, and may assist peers in navigating the BigFuture online tools.
“We greatly appreciate the service of the BigFuture Ambassadors who are serving as student leaders who are preparing for their own futures while lifting up their classmates along the way,” said Superintendent León. “I congratulate each ambassador and look forward to the impact they will have across our district, and their collective impact working alongside other high school ambassadors across the country.”
“Our BigFuture Ambassadors are shining examples of what happens when students are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to lead,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “On behalf of the Board, we congratulate these outstanding students and thank them for their commitment to helping others dream bigger and plan for the future.”
To qualify as a BigFuture Ambassador, students must be enrolled in high school, maintain a BigFuture account, and complete designated BigFuture activities including building a college list
and completing financial aid–related tasks.
2026 BigFuture Ambassadors
- Brianna Aguilar, Grade 11, Arts High School
- Ariel Aryee, Grade 12, Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
- Princess Attiogbe, Grade 11, Arts High School
- Sinclair Bangurah, Grade 12, Science Park High School
- Ashlei Benitez, Grade 12, Newark Vocational High School
- Justin Contreras, Grade 11, University High School
- Ahmir Davis, Grade 12, Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
- Evangeline Dong, Grade 12, Technology High School
- Isaac Elusanmi, Grade 12, Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
- Joshua Fineboy-Mark, Grade 11, Technology High School
- Iyona Gaddie, Grade 12, University High School
- Brialynn George, Grade 11, West Side High School
- Tommy Hassan, Grade 12, University High School
- Abi Hayward, Grade 11, Science Park High School
- Faridat Ibrahim, Grade 12, Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
- Abdul-Aziz Muhammad, Grade 12, Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
- Jonas Pains, Grade 12, East Side High School
- Hassan Reed, Grade 11, West Side High School
- Mambo Tamukong, Grade 12, American History High School
- Jade Toseafa, Grade 12, Arts High School
- Gerar Ukazu, Grade 11, Bard High School Early College
- Haseena Younis, Grade 12, East Side High School
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 65 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983