Newark Public Schools Students Accepted into National Fiserv Future Techies High School Program

NEWARK, N.J. – Three Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology seniors have been accepted into the highly competitive Fiserv Future Techies High School Program, a national initiative designed to cultivate emerging talent in financial technology.

Jacob Botchway, Somadina Ekwe, and Moussa Sow earned their place in the program with a concept that tackles a critical real-world challenge: helping young people develop healthy saving habits.

Their project is called SaveQuest, which is a gamified financial technology, or fintech, savings app. SaveQuest connects to existing banking platforms and rewards teens and young adults for saving money. Through incentives such as gift cards and services from youth-relevant companies—including food, gaming, and clothing brands—users can earn points and unlock rewards as they reach designated savings milestones. Their app aims to strengthen financial literacy, encourage responsible money management, and promote early wealth-building strategies among young people.

Superintendent León praised the students’ achievement, noting that their acceptance reflects the district’s commitment to preparing students for the opportunities of the future.

“Innovators are students who are in Newark schools right now who continue to show the world what is possible,” Superintendent León said. “These students embody the spirit of creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application that our 10-Year Strategic Plan champions. Their work exemplifies how Newark Public Schools prepares students not only to participate in tomorrow’s workforce, but to lead it.”

Dr. Liana Summey, the high school’s principal, commended the students and their teachers for embracing the school’s mission of blending technology, design thinking, and real-world application.

“Jacob, Somadina, and Moussa’s acceptance into the Fiserv Future Techies Program shows what happens when talent, curiosity, and hard work come together with the right opportunities,” Dr. Summey said. “Our students are learning about technology and using it to solve real problems and improve the world around them. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and excited to support them as they bring their innovative vision to life.”

As participants in the Fiserv Future Techies Program, the students will take part in a series of hands-on workshops covering software development, the evolution of money and payment systems, and data visualization. They will also be paired with a professional mentor to help refine and prototype their app this spring.

Their project will be evaluated for advancement to finalist status and potential participation in the National Fintech Pitch Competition later this year, providing opportunities for national recognition and school-based awards.

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council celebrated the milestone as another example of Newark students rising to national prominence.

“We are incredibly proud of these talented students,” President Council said. “Their vision and initiative demonstrate the brilliance we see across our schools every day. Opportunities like this propel our students forward and reinforce Newark’s reputation as a city of innovation, excellence, and limitless potential.”

The Fiserv Future Techies Program is one of the nation’s leading fintech pipelines for high school students, offering mentorship, industry exposure, and pathways to future STEM careers.

More information about the program is available at:
https://www.fiserv.com/en/lp/futuretechies/high-school-program.html