College Freshmen Get Career Boost

College freshmen are getting a head start in their job search through the Newark College Freshman Student Institute, a four-day, 30-hour class that will teach them about career opportunities, financial aid, grants and scholarships and entering the workforce.

Beginning Monday at New Jersey Institute of Technology, 140 students will take workshops taught by business, civic, government and higher education leaders, including Newark's own Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Adam Zipkin, Brick City Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Lyneir Richardson and Council Vice President Anibal Ramos Jr.

The group will also tour Newark Liberty International Airport and Newark Seaport to learn more about careers.

"Students will be provided with invaluable training for the future while earning $300 to immediately help themselves and their families," said Mayor Cory Booker in a statement. "It is our hope that this pilot program will increase the number of Newark residents who have four-year degrees so that they can take advantage of the economic recovery occurring in this city."

The Newark College Freshman Student Institute is being offered by the Newark Workforce Investment Board, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and is sponsored by Bank of America. The $300 stipend is paid for by a Bank of America grant.

Participating students are graduates of Newark public, charter, vocational and private schools and are attending Rutgers University, NJIT, Montclair State University, William Paterson University, Bloomfield College, New Jersey City University, Kean University and Stevens Institute.

"The Workforce Investment Board is responsible for building a ready workforce to meet the needs of employers," said Kathy Weaver, chairperson of the Newark Workforce Investment Board. "The Newark College Freshman Student Institute will help to prepare Newark youth to meet the demand for highly educated professional employees."