In March, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made the stunning announcement that her Yield Giving Foundation was giving $8 million to New Jersey nonprofits. Twenty-five percent of the funding was awarded to NJ LEEP, a leading nonprofit that works with first-generation and low-income students, building their skills and providing experiences to help them achieve their college and career aspirations.

Last week, at a news conference at Central High School, officials from Newark Public Schools (NPS) and NJ LEEP announced that a portion of the funding would go to a pilot program that would enable the nonprofit to expand its programming beginning with students at Central and East Side High Schools. 

“It takes a village to set students up for success, and Newark Public Schools’ formal partnership with NJ LEEP highlights an exciting and incredible new chapter—both for our education system and ongoing efforts to closing existing gaps in educational attainment,” said Superintendent León. “We’re beyond proud to announce the launch of our formal partnership and expand additional opportunities for our students to engage with the curriculum in meaningful ways, diversify experiences for growth and learning, and support their paths to higher achievement.”

“Since NJ LEEP was established in 2007, we have strived to expand access to educational opportunities so that Newark students are equipped with the confidence, skills, and experiences needed to pursue their higher education and career goals,” said NJ LEEP Executive Director Matthew Feinstein. “With this generous jumpstart from the Yield Giving Foundation, we are thrilled to formalize our partnership with Newark Public Schools and soon launch our school-based pilot program. Looking ahead, we aspire to continue building on this momentum to serve as a partner to Newark Public Schools in ensuring that all students have the support and resources to determine their own futures and achieve their dreams.”

Within the organization’s current scope of programming, NJ LEEP partners with over 375 students from middle school through college, offering a range of support from SAT/ACT test prep, opportunities to develop social-emotional skills, and internships; to field trips and volunteer experiences, among much more. To date, among NJ LEEP students, 100 percent graduate high school, and 99 percent enroll in college. Of those who enroll in college, 74 percent complete their degree.    

With this seed funding, NJ LEEP is beginning to implement their strategic plan to expand programming to include school-based partnerships to ensure even more students across the greater Newark area have the opportunities and skills needed to succeed in college. As part of the partnership’s school-based pilot program, NJ LEEP will hire existing NPS teachers or counselors who are deeply familiar with student needs, their schools and community culture, and participating students will take part in programming at their respective schools.     

“As New Jersey’s public education system continues to adapt to a new normal post-pandemic, and effect changes and improvements to better support all students, partnerships like the one between Newark Public Schools and NJ LEEP are critical in impacting positive change,” said New Jersey State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, who participated in today’s news conference. “Every student deserves access to high-quality education, the ability to learn and thrive in supportive classroom environments, and the resources to pursue and gain skills integral to succeeding in college. Building on existing momentum toward these goals, I am thrilled to support the NPS-NJ LEEP partnership and look forward to all that will be accomplished in the years ahead.”  

“As both a former Newark Public Schools teacher and principal, I am acutely aware of the challenges our students face in gaining college educations, and the career advantages they grant,” Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “We want all of Newark’s students to experience the fullness of an enriched academic journey that leads them easily into the college of their choice and onto their most rewarding career. This pilot program offers just that – and I speak for the entire city when I thank MacKenzie Scott, the Yield Giving Foundation, and NJ LEEP for this most generous gift and for their efforts that will uplift all of Newark for generations to come.”