Nearly 200 Newark Teens Earn College Degrees – Before Graduating High School

NEWARK, NJ — Nearly 200 students in Newark earned college degrees this year – before they graduated high school. This was one of several encouraging achievements in New Jersey’s largest public school district, administrators recently reported.

Thousands of high school seniors in the Class of 2026 received their diplomas last month, marking a big milestone in their lives.

This year’s class of seniors also notched some unique accomplishments, the Newark Board of Education noted:

COLLEGE DEGREES – The class includes 190 students who have already graduated from college, having earned associate's degrees before receiving their high school diplomas through the district's nationally recognized Dual Enrollment Program. Through that program, Newark Public Schools saved families an estimated $17.5 million while allowing students to complete substantial college coursework during high school.

SCHOLARSHIPS – Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned more than $269 million in college scholarships.

TEACHING JOBS – A group of 51 students received contracts for district teaching positions contingent upon their completing their bachelor’s degrees and state certification requirements. Each student received a $74,000 contract to teach in Newark, as part of the district’s Teacher Academy.

“Class of 2026, you continue to inspire us and demonstrate the true meaning of greatness,” Superintendent Roger León said.

“Nothing is going to stop you now,” he encouraged. “You've harnessed the values of flexibility and patience, crucial skills that have shaped who you are.”

“Today’s graduates have already accomplished remarkable things, and we are confident that their impact on Newark, New Jersey, and beyond is only beginning,” Newark Board of Education President Hasani Council agreed.

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