Newark Teachers Union offers $10 uniform vouchers to students who receive COVID-19 vaccine

AFT affiliate looks to combat vaccine hesitancy among children ages 12 to 17

in New Jersey’s largest public school district

Newark, N.J.: The Newark Teachers Union this week launched a citywide effort to offer $10 uniform vouchers to public school students ages 12 to 17 who receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Upon receiving their first COVID-19 vaccination shot at Newark’s public schools or at participating vaccination sites in the city of Newark or elsewhere in Essex County, students will receive a $10 voucher (while supplies last) that can be applied to a school-uniform purchase at Kids Place, with stores at 311 Ferry St. in Newark and 126 Broad St. in Elizabeth.

“We want students and staff to feel safe at their schools, and increasing vaccination among students increases the safety and comfort levels for them as well as the parents of students,” said NTU President John M. Abeigon.

The NTU contributed $12,000 to the purchase of the 2,500 Kids Place vouchers, and the American Federation of Teachers covered the $13,000 balance via a grant as part of the AFT’s Back to School for All initiative. Among the other funded projects in this nationwide effort involved members of the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey and the Perth Amboy Federation distributing free educational books in August at vaccination clinics in Perth Amboy.

“Through our partnership with AFT, we’ve been able to provide these grants to promote safe and healthy schools,” said AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera. “The science and data show us that in schools where students and staff are vaccinated and wearing masks, there is a reduced risk of virus transmission. We are pleased that the partnership among the NTU, AFT national and AFTNJ is providing not only an incentive for students to get the vaccine but also providing support for working parents so students can be in classrooms. We know in-person learning cannot be replaced by virtual learning.”