Press Releases

Newark School of Fashion & Design Freshman Student Wins 1st Place FCCLA National Fashion Competition

Newark School of Fashion & Design Freshman Student Wins 1st Place FCCLA National Fashion Competition

Jul 8, 2022

Newark, NJ [July 7, 2022] Just eleven short months ago, first-year students arrived at the Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) having limited to no sewing skills. By the time of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fashion Competition in Spring 2022, twelve students created their custom-designed formal wear and placed in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories. NSFD also took home the State's Northern Region Membership Award for 2022! 

One NSFD freshman, Sa’Kayla Mclendon, proceeded to the National Leadership Conference in San Diego, California held June 29, 2022 - July 3, 2022, and won First Place in the Fashion Competition.

Superintendent Leon stated, “We are very proud of Sa’Kayla.  She, like her peers at NSFD, are talented and they are influencing the world of fashion, and in such a short period of time.”

Every year, FCCLA members from across the country gather to network with fellow members, attend leadership workshops, take part in competitive events, explore career pathways, and learn from industry experts. FCCLA's National Leadership Conference Fashion Show showcased exemplary fashion garments created by student members from across the country! 

Principal of NSFD, Sakina Pitts shared “Proud is an understatement! My expectations are extremely high for my students, and Sa’Kayla's 1st place National win is a testament to the impact being made here at the Newark School of Fashion & Design in just one year.”

Ms. Posey, teacher of Art Education at NSFD shared “All things are possible for those who have a willing heart." 

Sa’Kayla Mclendon, FCCLA National 1st place winner shared "I was nervous, but I prayed. In the end, it was unbelievable that I won 1st place and haven't even been sewing for a full year yet! I went to California to represent my school and my City. So, it felt good to bring home the win!"

Akima Mclendon, mother of Sa’Kayla who also attended the event shared "All of your hard work and dedication paid off! You went to California to represent your school and your City! So, The Sky's the Limit!"

Board President Dawn Haynes said “ I am so happy that other parts of the country get to see how truly talented students from Newark are. The opportunity to compete in California is amazing and bringing home 1st place sets the standard. Congratulations to Sa’Kayla and NSFD.”

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Newark School of Fashion & Design Students Win FCCLA Fashion Competition

Newark School of Fashion & Design Students Win FCCLA Fashion Competition

Nov 30, 2021

[November 30, 2021, Newark, NJ]  Students from the Newark School of Fashion & Design (NSFD) took home Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in their first competition after being in a new school that opened just 3 months ago.   Twenty-eight NSFD students competed in the statewide Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fashion Competition. Students participated in categories such as Creative Stitches, Fashion Posters, and Passion for Fashion Sketches. Overall students placed at First Place Gold, Second Place Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

Superintendent Roger León said, “I am not surprised that our students competed against more than four hundred fifty students and won in multiple categories.” He added. “They are extremely talented and we are excited that they have a platform where they can show the world how gifted they are.”

Principal of NSFD, Sakina Pitts shared “Imagine, freshman students beginning their journey into high school on September 7, 2021, and becoming so focused under the tutelage of our Fashion Department Teachers, Ms. Posey, and Ms. Tabman, that they entered their very first Competition just three months into school and brought home the win!”

Ms. Posey, teacher of Art Education at NSFD is proud of her students and encourages them to do their best. Serving as guidance during the competition, she shared “All things are possible for those who have a willing heart, and here at the Newark School of Fashion & Design - we are destined to succeed beyond great measure.”

During the competition, the President of the FCCLA remarked on the impressive manner in which the students of NSFD displayed sportsmanship and resiliency. Students were commended for their style of dress, as well as their professionalism and how they conducted themselves throughout the competition.

The Newark Board of Education couldn’t be any prouder of the innovation and creativity exhibited by the students at the Newark School of Fashion & Design. It is with much excitement that we look forward to all that they will accomplish within the next four years and on.

For more information, please contact:

Nancy J. Deering
Communications, Acting Director
973-733-6265 (office)
ndeering@newark.apppresser.com

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The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and Newark Public Schools Announce its Partnership to Launch Financial Literacy Program

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation and Newark Public Schools Announce its Partnership to Launch Financial Literacy Program

Aug 31, 2021

Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation plant roots in Newark, NJ to help eliminate the racial wealth gap by opening savings accounts for 250 incoming freshmen

 

Newark, NJ — August 31, 2021 — 2x Super Bowl Champion and 3x Pro-Bowl New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) today announced in partnership with Newark Public Schools (NPS), a new Financial Literacy Program that provides savings accounts for students across three high schools in Newark, NJ.

TMJF - FLP in the Newark Public Schools (NPS) is a four-year commitment of up to $40,000 that is NPS’ response to enhancing the education and student activities and building families and therefore communities, economically.  The goals of TMJF – FLP are aligned with NPS’ mission to deliver an academically rigorous and culturally responsive instructional program that prepares every student for success and builds knowledge, strengthens character, cultivates ingenuity, and fosters leadership. Additionally, TMJF – FLP is aligned with the Core Values of NPS’ Vision Statement to build a new educational ecosystem that provides a world-class education for every child in Newark.

The implementation of the new Financial Literacy Program in collaboration with NPS brings The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation one step closer in its mission to empower youth and set them on the path to financial freedom. Utilizing the Black-owned family banking and financial literacy platform, Goalsetter, they will open savings accounts with an initial deposit of $40 for the 250 incoming freshmen enrolled at the newest schools to begin operations in the District:

  • The Global Studies School —The curriculum fosters fluency in a second language, immersion in a foreign culture and the exchange of ideas via advanced technology.  It has three internal academies: Diplomacy, International Business and the Humanities that facilitate the application of a global studies education to life-long career choices.
  • Data Science & Information Technology School — Prepares the next generation of research scientists and information technology professionals with the expertise to bring about organizational and technological change in all aspects of their community.
  • Fashion & Design School — Educates and inspires students to explore their academic and creative potential through the lens of fashion and design. The school leverages the design process across the curriculum and afford students space to imagine, problem solve, and collaborate in preparation for future success.

In April, TMJF first announced its financial freedom initiative to help close the racial wealth gap by opening 1,000 savings accounts for students in the communities it serves. Studies show, by 2053 African Americans are projected to have a negative net worth in the United States. The Latinx communities are only 20 years behind.  By establishing savings accounts in their names, youth are six times more likely to go to college and four times more likely to own stocks when they are young adults.  NPS is the second education partner to join TMJF as they move towards their goal of opening more student savings accounts across Philadelphia, Ohio, New Orleans, and New Jersey.

The Foundation chose to partner with the NPS because of its aligned emphasis on mentorship, career preparation, college and its commitment to putting students first. There is a significant opportunity to make a measurable impact on the futures of youth as the NPS is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey.

“This is truly a groundbreaking moment and we are grateful to Malcolm Jenkins, his mother, and his foundation, said Superintendent León.  “This is the right step toward moving financial literacy in the classroom to the next level.”

TMJF has included in its long-term commitment with the NBOE, a build-out of its Digital Education Academy to help NPS students discover their passi­­on and pathways through exposure to a wide variety of potential careers for both college-bound and non-college bound students. The Academy will offer a multitude of disciplines including filmmaking, design, digital marketing, coding, advertising, music, fashion and much more through culturally relevant learning experiences.

“Growing up in New Jersey, I have a special place in my heart for this state and the City of Newark. I want to see our youth reach their full potential. Financial literacy is an important part of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s initiatives and we are proud to lay down roots here in Newark. I am grateful for the support of NPS Superintendent León and the Board of Education in our mission to close the racial wealth gap,” said Jenkins, Chairman and Founder, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation.

Since 2012, The Foundation has worked in under-resourced communities to increase graduation rates, as well as college eligibility and enrollment through its Project REWARDS program in partnership with College Track. TMJF annually rewards students in pursuit of higher learning with The Malcolm Jenkins Scholars. More than $175,000 in scholarships have been awarded to date, providing these scholars with financial assistance for costly expenses to attend colleges and universities such as books, supplies and other fees. In addition to the grants, TMJF has funded out-of-state college tours, career exposure events, job networking workshops and support college freshmen with final exam study baskets.

About The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation

Founded in 2010, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity with a mission to effect positive change in the lives of youth, particularly those in underserved communities. The Foundation is dedicated to youth development programs and initiatives that provide innovative learning opportunities, resources, and experiences that will help them succeed in life and become productive and contributing members of their community. For more information, visit: http://www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org/

About Newark Public Schools Board of Education

The Newark School District is the largest and one of the oldest school systems in New Jersey. Its origin dates back to 1676. Barringer High School, in Newark’s North Ward, is the third oldest public high school in the nation. The racial and ethnic diversity of the city provides a rich educational experience for pre-kindergarten to secondary school students. The district continues to revise its services to meet the changing needs of students.

MEDIA CONTACTS

The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, Rachel Ribeiro, rachelr@8degreespr.com

Newark Public Schools Board of Education, Nancy Deering, ndeering@newark.apppresser.com

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