High School Redesign Partners Convene Meeting highlights workforce pathways, college success, global partnerships, and innovative career-focused learning opportunities
NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools brought together an extraordinary coalition of students, principals and staff, university leaders, nonprofit organizations, workforce development experts, and industry partners for the district’s biannual High School Partners Convene Spring Meeting, a gathering focused on expanding opportunities for students and advancing the district’s historic 10-year strategic plan.
The meeting showcased the district’s growing network of partnerships in higher education, healthcare, technology, entertainment, aviation, public safety, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, while highlighting the accomplishments of Newark students who are already benefiting from the district’s transformation efforts.
Superintendent León emphasized that the district’s work is about transforming Newark Public Schools into a national model for public education, innovation. and student opportunity.
“This meeting reflected what is possible when a new educational ecosystem unites around the success of children,” said Superintendent León. “What we are building in Newark Public Schools is not isolated programming. We are creating a self sustaining system of opportunity that connects students to college, careers, mentorship, apprenticeships, internships, global experiences, and ultimately pathways back to leadership in their own city. The transformation of Newark Public Schools is happening because our students are surrounded by people and institutions that believe in their greatness.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said he was impressed by the possibilities that can emerge from a gathering of leaders from higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders convening around a shared commitment to students.
“Newark Public Schools is creating opportunities that many students across this nation only dream about, from global experiences and workforce pathways to elite university admissions and cutting-edge career training,” said Council. “Most importantly, our students are seeing that there are no limits on what they can achieve.”
The Greatness of Newark Public Schools Students
Special recognition was given to district students who will be attending some of the nation’s most prestigious Ivy League universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and state and private universities.
The day was filled with accolades for scholar athletes (including members of the State Champion Arts High School Girls Basketball, Malcolm X Shabazz Boys Basketball State, Malcolm X Shabazz Track teams, as well as the Malcolm X Shabazz Football team, which played in the state championship game two years in a row), speech and debate champions (Barringer, Central, Science Park, and University High Schools), and a surprise vocalist from Arts High School.
University High School student Dante Elliott, a speech and debate national champion, captivated the audience with his performance of an excerpt from 12 Years A Slave, while Jezeniah Pagan-Orellano, an Arts High School student, sang a touching rendition of No One by Alicia Keys.
Creating Career Opportunities
District officials and partners also discussed the continued expansion of career-focused academies and specialized high school programs aligned to industry needs, including the district’s upcoming New Media High School. The new school, which will be adjacent to the future site of Lionsgate’s Great Point Studios in the South Ward, will prepare students for careers in film, television, content production, editing, cinematography, hair and makeup, technical production, and other behind-the-camera professions.
Karen Williams of the Entertainment Industry Fund spoke of the organization’s excitement over partnering with the district to launch the new high school.
“There is so much production happening in New Jersey, especially Newark,” said Williams. “The proximity to Lionsgate is going to be amazing. That's just going to be an extended part of the classroom experience. All the alignment is really coming into place.”
Industry leaders discussed the importance of diversifying career pipelines and exposing students to emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, aviation, healthcare, and digital media.
Captain Carole Hopson, a United Airlines pilot, said that of the roughly 150,000 professional pilots, very few are minorities, even though there is a national pilot shortage.
“I want you in the seat next to me,” Hopson said to the students. “There are so many things that we have to learn to fly an airplane, and many of them you’re learning right here. I want the best. I don’t just want anybody.”
John Danielson, the Chairman of the Board for the Duke of Edinburgh Award USA who served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Page, said that he was “blown away” by the district’s students, staff, and partners.
“The country doesn't know that this is happening,” Danielson said. “We’re living in a dark time where most people are talking about how difficult it is. They’re not aware of the hope. They’re not aware of the possibility, and the action is taking place here. It’s extraordinary.”
The meeting also highlighted:
- New internship opportunities connected to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program
- A Portugal-based culinary learning experience with a Michelin-Star chef for Newark Vocational High School students
- Workforce partnerships with hospitals and healthcare systems
- Ongoing collaboration with the City of Newark and Rutgers University-Newark to support police and firefighter career pathway programs
Students’ Reaction To The Meeting
Students repeatedly spoke about how mentorship, exposure to professionals, and participation in specialized programs changed the trajectory of their lives.
Chris Ignacio, Student Council President at Newark Vocational High School, praised the district’s growing network of opportunities.
“When I tell my friends who aren’t from Newark, they’re jealous,” said Ignacio. “I am super-honored and grateful to be here, and super-honored to be a student here at Newark Public Schools.”
Jason De La Cruz, a freshman at Technology High School, spoke about education being the key to socio-economic upward mobility. He cited his grandfather, who lifted himself out of poverty by graduating from college and becoming a civil engineer.
“That’s what college means,” De La Cruz said. “And when you invest in it, you give the power back to the people to do what we need to do to become a better society. I am humbled to be here in the presence of all of you, we are better because of you.”
All In The Same Direction
Dr. Maria Ortiz, the Assistant Superintendent who oversees the district’s high schools, thanked the district’s many partners for their commitment to Newark students and emphasized the collective nature of the work.
“We are all rowing in the same direction because we want what is best for our students,” Dr. Ortiz said. “Our students represent hope, achievement, and the future of this city. The collaboration we witnessed today shows what can happen when schools, universities, industries, nonprofits, and community leaders come together with a shared purpose.”
The theory of action and the ultimate goal The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan, the district’s historic 10-year strategic plan, is to create a self-sustaining organization, and the convene was evidence that we are doing just that.