Paterson High School Students Expand Career Skills During Second Annual Career Exploration Summer Youth Program, Hosted by Berkeley College and Paterson Public Schools
Thursday, September 11, 2025
PATERSON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS EXPAND CAREER SKILLS DURING
SECOND ANNUAL CAREER EXPLORATION SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM,
HOSTED BY BERKELEY COLLEGE AND PATERSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Photo Caption: (Left) Paterson high school students learn about networking before practicing their golfing skills at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. (Right) Paterson high school students learn about democracy and participate in a mock trial with Patricia Greer, JD, Provost, Berkeley College, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. The students had an opportunity to learn life and career skills and explore an array of paths through community service and experiential learning during the second annual Career Exploration Summer Youth Program, a partnership between Berkeley College and Paterson Public Schools.
Share the News: @BerkeleyCollege #NewsBerkeley @paterson_public_schools_nj
Paterson high school students had an opportunity to learn life and career skills and explore an array of paths through community service and experiential learning during the second annual Career Exploration Summer Youth Program, a partnership between Berkeley College and Paterson Public Schools. The five-week program, hosted by Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, was offered in July and August 2025.
“Paterson Public Schools is proud to continue our partnership with Berkeley College in providing meaningful summer programming for our young adults,” said Laurie W. Newell, PhD, Superintendent, Paterson Public Schools. “This year, we were able to expand the program to serve more than 100 students, and we look forward to increasing participation in the years to come. This collaboration reflects our district’s commitment to offering students high-quality learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom and ensuring they are prepared for future success.”
The 2025 program was tailored to student input and included hands-on experiential learning, classes about life skills, community service events, and visits from potential employers. Courses included CPR and first aid training, mock trial seminars, conflict resolution, resume building, and networking through golf.
“This program gives our students the chance to build new skills, gain real-world experiences, and see themselves thriving in higher education settings,” said Rodney A. Henderson, EdD, Deputy Superintendent, Paterson Public Schools. “At Paterson Public Schools, we are intentional about creating pathways that help our young people imagine and prepare for their futures. Expanding this program to reach more than 100 students is a clear step forward in that mission.”
“Berkeley College is grateful for another opportunity to collaborate with Paterson Public Schools in order to provide quality career and educational programming for young adults in our community,” said LaTysha “Ty” Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park. “Dr. Newell and Dr. Henderson are excellent advocates for their students and our future leaders, and their efforts were pivotal in the success of the program.”
The Career Exploration Summer Youth Program culminated in a luncheon and closing ceremony during which students were awarded certificates of completion and staff members were given certificates of appreciation.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the Summer Career Exploration Program flourish,” said Michelle Gomez, Director, Academic Partnerships, Berkeley College. “This summer the high school students felt part of the Berkeley College family, connected with one another, and grew as leaders.”
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2025 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
- end -
