Two Newark high schools launched career-focused “academies” this week, bringing Superintendent Roger León closer to his vision of revitalizing the district’s traditional high schools and preparing students for college and careers.
Barringer High School now offers a law and safety program that includes a JROTC chapter. Students in West Side High School’s new business and finance program will choose from five specialties, including accounting, sales, and supply chain management. Each program is paired with a magnet school in addition to a university and industry partner, with the goal of providing role models and potential advocates who may one-day help students land jobs.
Attorneys will meet with students to talk about their interests and expose them to different legal fields. Students will receive mentorship and support which is especially important for those who may not have a lawyer in their family or may not have talked to one, said Robert Mintz, managing partner of McCarter’s Newark office.
“A lot of where people tend to end up in their career paths has to do with they’re exposed to in their educational journey from high school and college,” said Mintz. “We’re giving students the opportunity early on to think about their careers now even before they’re going to college.”