Newark Leadership Academy

Newark Leadership Academy’s mission is to re-engage over-age and under-credited youth (ages 16-20) through programming that combines workforce training, academics, socio-emotional support, and leadership development to provide students with the necessary skills to succeed. In fall 2014, NLA staff and students collaborated to create the school’s first Garden Club in an effort to provide students with additional leadership and development opportunities, and plant and sustain a garden that would benefit the school community.

This grant will allow for a significant expansion of the garden, which will achieve the following goals: 1) Enhance the career development curriculum of NLA’s vocational programs; 2) Teach students about the importance of community service through service learning projects involving the garden; 3) Connect NLA to local partners and community members; and 4) Enhance school culture and beautify the school’s grounds.