A Day with Newark Opportunity Youth Network

Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) is dedicated to improving outcomes for “opportunity youth” – New Jerseyans between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school and not participating in the labor force. Four key elements support this work, each tied to a program within the network: education through LEAD Charter School; workforce development through YouthBuild Newark; policy advocacy through the New Jersey Opportunity Youth Coalition; and systems building through My Brother’s Keeper Newark.

Here is what NOYN’s opportunity youth were up to on a summer day:

Tamarrin Goldstone measures, cuts, and installs insulation in a building being constructed in Newark’s West Side neighborhood. Tamarrin first found his way to YouthBuild through LEAD Charter School, and hopes to continue in construction after graduation and one day get into real estate. “I’ve learned a lot and been able to put practical skills to use,” he says.

Marquis Wright is adding some finishing touches to the frame before drywall is hung. After having trouble in his first high school, Marquis Wright found his way to LEAD, where he enjoyed learning the construction trade while earning his high school diploma. “I enjoy all parts of construction, from the framing to the plumbing to the dirty, hard labor. I enjoy every part of it,” Wright says. He is planning to join a union to continue his work in construction.

The summer sun is beating down, but rising senior Mylah Juiston-Freeman is in an air-conditioned classroom doing inventory on LEAD Charter School’s Chromebooks. LEAD is New Jersey’s first disconnection prevention and recovery charter high school, allowing young people to get workforce training in allied health or construction as they earn their degree. “LEAD helped me prepare for the real world and what to expect when I’m working in an office job,” says Mylah.

After struggling in her first high school, Mylah found in LEAD a place where she could start to work through difficulties at home. “When I came here, my teachers made sure I was good and made sure I was mentally prepared to be here and get my work done. They gave me solutions I could work on when I get home.”

Mylah plans to study to become a registered nurse or radiologist. “I just like helping people,” she says. “I like interacting with people and making sure that they’re good, knowing that I can make people feel better.”

LEAD’s hallways are decked in bright colors and motivational slogans. In addition to preparing students for trades in construction and health, many students attend four-year universities after graduating.

Across town in NOYN’s offices, a group of summer employment program interns with My Brother’s Keeper Newark has returned from distributing books at an enrollment event at local elementary school. My Brother’s Keeper Newark offers boys and young men of color experience working with the many organizations that support the community.

Shahid Finch is enjoying seeing how the support network fits together. “I’m learning about different organizations how they’re connected, just absorbing it,” he says. “I like the feeling of giving back to the community.”

“It’s made me really aware of what’s going on in Newark, the broader context of what’s happening education-wise and what’s going on in the neighborhoods” says Jayden Hicks. He’s also enjoyed the opportunity to expand his perspective beyond the city. “My favorite part was going down to Trenton to meet the Attorney General.”

The group gathers around the table and intern Herbert Toler assists them with writing op-ed stories about their experience with My Brother’s Keeper Newark.

“This internship was my introduction to ‘opportunity youth’ – I didn’t know a whole lot about it,” Herbert says. “I think it’s brilliant that there are organizations out here that work to re-engage students who have difficult circumstances, that for whatever reason don’t have a linear trajectory through education.”