Dear Partner:
After nearly four years at the helm of NCLC, I write to announce that my time with the Collaborative will be coming to an end as I transition to a new chapter. Effective June 1, 2020, I will assume the role of Executive Director of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership at Seton Hall University. It has been a privilege to work with so many in strengthening Newark’s college-going culture. In just a few short years, our extensive partnerships have led to several significant milestones:
- January 2017 – Launch of the college pathway programs with signature funding from the Ford and Kresge Foundations. These initial programs were consolidated to form NCLC’s College Pathway Initiative, a multi-year developmental pathway to assist high school students in the transition to college.
- August 2017 – Establishment of a partnership with the Rutgers University-Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) to create a citywide data project assessing post-secondary trends of Newark high school graduates.
- November 2017 – Recognition of NCLC’s work by the NJ Secretary of Higher Education with the “Equity Trailblazer Award.”
- June 2018 – Launch of the Secrets to College Admissions series, in partnership with the Newark Public Library. The series provides college knowledge and financial aid resources to residents throughout Newark, utilizing local library branches in every ward of the city.
- July 2018 – Release of Post-Secondary Outcomes of Newark High School Graduates, the first comprehensive analysis of college-going patterns for high school graduates from district, charter, county, and parochial school sectors.
- January 2019 – Roll out of the first citywide dual enrollment initiative, allowing Newark high school students from district, charter, and parochial schools to gain early exposure to the collegiate experience by earning college credit while still pursuing their high school diplomas at no cost to their families.
- October 2019 – Launch of the first Newark FAFSA Challenge, in partnership with Mayor Baraka, NBOE Superintendent Leon, Essex County Schools of Technology Superintendent Pedersen, the United Way of Greater Newark, and the Newark Public Library.
- January 2020 – second citywide dual enrollment initiative for Newark high schoolers.
Together, we have laid a crucial foundation in raising the expectation that every Newark child should have the preparation and resources to succeed at the college level. I have no doubt that the great work of NCLC will continue for many years to come, thanks to the hard work and dedication of all of you.
All the best,
Reginald Lewis
Executive Director
Newark City of Learning Collaborative
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice