Newark Public Schools, Foundation for Newark’s Future, CFNJ Launch ‘New Paths Newark’

June 3, 2015

Newark Public Schools (NPS) – in partnership with the Foundation for Newark’s Future (FNF) and the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ)—is proud to announce the launch of New Paths Newark, a program aimed at helping those impacted by layoffs during the current administration (2011-present) to continue their education and pursue new career pathways.

Fully funded by FNF and managed by CFNJ, New Paths Newark provides tuition assistance, living subsidies, and completion incentives to eligible participants who complete an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or Special Certification at any public, accredited New Jersey college or university.  CFNJ will help participants identify the best academic program for their career ambitions and maximize individual success throughout the course of study, and will provide guidance in job placement at program completion.

“New Paths Newark is an innovative, first of its kind, program developed by NPS to address the impact of having to reduce our staff size over the past several years.  We know many impacted employees are hard-working parents or caregivers of our students, and all are vital members of our community,” said Superintendent Cami Anderson. “New Paths Newark was designed to give impacted employees the opportunity to receive financial support while pursuing degrees that will help them access 21st century jobs, ensuring that participants do not have to choose between taking a job and pursuing an education that will propel them over the long-term.”

The design of New Paths Newark is influenced by significant outside research on the optimal support vehicles for adult student populations.  Financial supports can amount to as much as $57,000 for eligible participants, based on the program, industry and occupation pursued, and contingent upon good academic standing and timely completion of a degree.

“In order to serve Newark’s children, we must work in partnership with their families” said Kimberly McLain, President and CEO of FNF.  “Our support for New Paths Newark is reflective of this commitment and we are confident that with the CFNJ’s leadership, we will be able to give adult learners the practical training and education they need for full employment now and into the future.”

“We are excited to partner with Newark Public Schools on this much-needed program,” said Hans Dekker, President of CFNJ “and to extend our organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting those New Jerseyans in greatest need and thereby strengthening our communities.”

New Paths Newark is committed to working with all eligible individuals to identify education pathways that align to their personal interests, skills, and career ambitions.  Kevin Anthony, program manager for New Paths Newark at CFNJ speaks to this commitment as he shares: “I’m very excited about working with adult learners as they begin to discover and create new career paths that will have a positive impact on their families and communities. I believe in this program, and am committed to helping as many individual as possible pursue this great opportunity.”

For more information, please contact Kevin Anthony, program manager for New Paths Newark. Kevin can be reached at kanthony@cfnj.org.

Additional program details are also available at www.cfnj.org/NewPathsNewark