College, Careers & the Confidence to Plan What’s Next

REACH is the part of Westbridge that pushes students out into the real world: career exploration, post-secondary planning, hands-on workshops with working professionals. This year, our students took meaningful steps toward what comes after high school.

★ THIS YEAR’S STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • After visiting Bloomfield College, Shaheed and Daniel said they could see themselves there.
  • Keyon M. said he could now picture himself going to college.
  • Shaheed is applying to Essex County Community College.
  • Daniel is interested in the summer junior work-study program.
  • Malik said this was the first time he had thought about his future.
  • Shaheed, Francisco V., and Malik are our Soapbox Derby drivers.

This was the first time I’m thinking about my future.

Malik, after a college visit
Xen Sams - Host of A Moment of Xen · iHeart Radio · 710 WOR

★ FEATURED MENTOR ★

Xen Sams

Host of A Moment of Xen · iHeart Radio · 710 WOR

Xen has become a real mentor to our REACH students. As host of her own iHeart Radio podcast, she brings a working professional’s platform to our students’ development:

  • Hosted REACH students at iHeart Radio’s 710 WOR studio for a “day in the life”
  • Led a Social Media & Digital Citizenship session
  • Coaches students one-on-one on interview skills

We’re grateful for what she gives us.

Xen joins a growing group of REACH mentors, including Sam Pena of Wrap Time LLC and Rob Ida (custom automotive builder). We’ll feature their stories in upcoming issues.

Moments from REACH

Key Information for Families

Free college through HESAA. Eligible NJ families can attend community college tuition-free, plus two years of free state university. HESAA staff will meet one-on-one with families to complete the FAFSA.

DVRS enrollment is now required for all REACH students. DVRS is the gateway to paid internships through Family Resource Network with transportation and job coaching included.

What’s Coming Up

Senior Graduation Plans Coming Together. Our REACH facilitators are meeting one-on-one with each senior to lock in their next steps:

Shaheed – Finishing his application to Essex County Community College this week.

Shaheed – Finishing his application to Essex County Community College this week.

Francisco V. – Accepted to UTI Bloomfield, starting July.

Essence – Headed to a community college in Georgia, where she is moving.

Soapbox Derby Update

  • Drivers Shaheed, Francisco V., and Malik are gearing up for race day.
  • Sam Pena of Wrap Time LLC is finalizing the custom wraps.
  • The REACH team is finalizing racers and roles for Soapbox Day.

Also in the Works: Helping Daniel apply for a dual summer internship with Essex County Community College.

Always-On Support. The REACH team is in the office Wednesdays and Fridays for any student who wants to drop in and talk about their interests, goals, or what comes next.

Brian Coya & Nicole Miranda, REACH Program Facilitators