In spite of the academic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, two dozen young adults completed NewBridge Services’ alternative education and career program.
“We are so proud of the graduates, who’ve succeeded in the toughest of circumstances,” NewBridge Jobs Plus Program Director Amy Sheppard said. NewBridge hosted a car parade July 30 to honor the 2020 graduates.
NewBridge Jobs Plus is the longest-running alternative education program in Morris County. It has helped well over 1,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for college, trade schools and careers since 1983. Located at the NewBridge Parsippany Center, the program is free to young adults and transportation is provided to Morris County residents.
The Class of 2020 hails from Bloomingdale, Boonton, Budd Lake, Dover, East Hanover, Landing, Mine Hill, Morristown, Mount Arlington, Netcong, Parsippany, Rockaway Township, Roxbury and Summit. Graduates completed program requirements and so far 13 have received their New Jersey high school diplomas, NewBridge Jobs Plus Youth Case Manager Gaelle Joseph said. The pandemic has delayed testing opportunities, Joseph noted.
Jaci Rothbart of Rockaway Township received the $1,000 James Ryan Memorial Scholarship Award, given annually in memory of the NewBridge founder. The 17-year-old attends the County College of Morris and plans to become a pediatric nurse, Joseph said.
Isabella Gonzalez received the the $1,000 Lakeland Bank Scholarship Award. The 18-year-old Morristown resident will attend Montclair State University.
Bloomingdale resident Devin Maliborski received the McEnerney Alumni Award. The 17-year-old is studying biology at Passaic County Community College. Francis McEnerney served many years on the NewBridge Services Board of Trustees.
NewBridge Jobs Plus receives funding from: the Charles Emil Thenen Foundation; Community Foundation of New Jersey; Holmes Family Foundation; John Bickford Foundation; Lakeland Bank; Morris County Freeholders; Morris County Human Services; Morris County Vocational School District; Morris-Sussex-Warren Employment Training Services; and Morris-Sussex-Warren Workforce Development Board.
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