Newark opens re-engagement center
The city of Newark is looking to help more people earn a high school diploma, or GED, with the opening of a new re-engagement center.
The City of Newark held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to open the Re-Engagement Center, a facility that reconnects young people with education and career paths.
“They're helping me with everything that's going on in my life right now, as I'm able to work two jobs, go to school, and plan on going to Rutgers University in the fall. Thank you very much for that,” Stefan said. Young, who is enrolled in the program.
Young, 25, is incarcerated and said it was while he was there that he realized he wanted to change his life for his son.
“After being in prison and seeing it's a revolving door, it didn't make sense to me,” he said.
He says the Re-Engagement Center gave him a second chance.
The hub is located along McCarter Highway and is operated in partnership by the City of Newark and Newark Public Schools.
According to city statistics, before 2020, approximately 4,000 boys and girls under the age of 21 were not attending school.
This program is designed for ages 13 to 24. Her students ages 21 and older who graduate from city schools are referred to GED and high school equivalency programs.
In addition to school and work, the center also provides social support and personal services.
