Newark, New Jersey – April 24, 2017:  People’s Prep, Newark’s only independent public charter high school, announced today that in anticipation of its 5^th Annual “Career Day,” it has forged over 45 strategic partnerships with local businesses and community leaders from around the Newark area.  The day-long event, which will take place on Wednesday, April 25^th, will bring together Newark professionals, such as social workers, doctors, reporters, attorneys, personal trainers, editors, and many other professionals to engage with People Prep’s students so every student can learn firsthand the pathways and requirements to a diverse array of careers.  Specifically, representatives from NJPAC, the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, Sesame Workshop, Microsoft, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, ShopRite, New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the Internal Revenue Service, and other organizations are scheduled to participate.

“Career Day provides real work-life perspective while directly connecting names, faces, and professionals to our students,” stated Jess Rooney, Founder of  People’s Prep.  Preparing students to graduate from the college of their choice means giving students tons of opportunities to connect with professionals and work spaces outside of the traditional classroom.  We want our students to have more than just a job in the future, we want each to build a career.  We’re consistently creating and on the lookout for opportunities for our students to have direct access to the people, companies, experiences, and peers who will inspire and connect with them. Career Day is the first of ultimately many professional doors our students will open as they explore their interests and eventually build a career.  We often forget how important a role model can be to a young adult.  The businesses and people who support our effort each year provide example and inspiration for our students.  We appreciate the many professionals who volunteer their time and we are grateful for their support.”

“Bringing the future workforce together with such a wide array of professionals is a great way to open these young Newarkers’ eyes to exciting career opportunities,” stated Chip Hallock president & CEO of Newark Regional Business Partnership.  “People’s Prep students have a chance to learn how to combine their passion with a promising working future while employers get a first-hand look at the high quality of homegrown Newark talent available to them.”

People’s Prep Career Day will take place on Wednesday, April 25^th and for the one day will replace the high school’s English class periods.   During Career Day students will be provided with the opportunity to attend a series of small- group workshops, where participating professionals will discuss their own career pathway and define the kind of work they accomplish in their roles.  In addition, all professionals participating in the initiative will join students for a unified lunch, where students will have the opportunity to informally ask questions and network.

Career Day serves as an important anchor to a series of initiatives People’s Prep organizes throughout the school year to ensure its student body is uniquely prepared beyond high school.

Specifically, four times a year, People’s Prep also provides its entire 380-person student body, freshman through seniors, with organized visits to college campuses. During each trip, every student participates in full campus tours, scheduled information sessions, direct access to the student body, and on-campus lunches are provided to each group of visiting People’s Prep students.  These visits emphasize first-hand understanding of opportunities available to every People’s Prep student upon graduation, while reinforcing the importance in seeking a college education.

In addition,  students at People’s Prep participate in year-long internships for which they earn credit.  With this initiative, teacher advisors place students into unique work-study opportunities that emphasize the importance of off-campus learning, serving the Newark community, and gaining strong understanding of workplace expectations.  As part of their internship, each student works the entire school year from September to June for 5 hours each week and is required to complete a Capstone Project detailing their experience.