Growing up in a household rich with the language of higher education can make college feel real, but many low-income and minority students do not have this advantage. The Pre-College Initiative at DLEACS introduces students to the unfamiliar language of higher education and helps students see this step as part of their future. 

DLEACS staffer Mr. Johnson and Guidance Counselor Ms. Whyte have plans for a series of college introductions for students in all grades. 

At our second annual college and career fair, several four-year post-secondary institutions represented their school's admission process and offered a glimpse of college life and discussed the steps it takes to get there. Beyond the scope of higher education, several professionals including those in law enforcement, and medicine were on hand to talk about their vocations.

Volunteers for the College and Career Fair:

Metropolitan Family Health Network- Dr. Carolyn Murray- Burton

Rutgers University - Tevin Reese

New Jersey City University- Arturo Arana

Jersey City Fire Department- Fire Fighters, Reyes and Jenkins

Jersey City Police Department- Christin Putnam

Parent Volunteers

Therapist- Myrtho Leon

Amazon- Kashif Battle

NYPD Officer- Deborah James

Medical Officer- Melissa Boatwright 

As a backdrop to the collegiate event, many staff wore their college alumnus gear to give students some perspective to know their teachers as mentors, as well as embed the notion that our students inhabit a pre-collegiate environment every day. 

Take a look at some of our College and Career Fair photos here.