Media Coverage

Daily Record
June 12, 2008

Kristen Franko listens to speeches during the NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus commencement ceremony at the Elks Club in Boonton on Wednesday.

Adriana Nieves of Dover poses for a photograph as she approaches the stage during her commencement from NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus in Boonton.

Johan Rosario cheers for his classmates during the NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus Class of 2008 Commencement.

NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus graduates take part in the Class of 2008 commencement ceremony at the Elks Club in Boonton.

52 make it over NewBridge to a brighter future

Graduates finish high school classes, prepare to enter the work force

BOONTON -- Commencement ceremonies were held Wednesday for 52 residents of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties who dropped out of traditional high schools but earned their state high school diplomas through the NewBridge Youth Education Employment Program.

Patty Colvin, a NewBridge spokeswoman, said the graduates overcome tremendous personal obstacles to successfully complete the program known as 70001 Jobs Plus. The program provides at-risk men and women with the tools and support to achieve their state-issued high school diplomas.

Jobs Plus has a 90 percent success rate, according to Colvin, who said it provides a second chance to residents of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties between the ages of 16 and 21 to achieve success by providing them with group and individual counseling, job training, motivational and placement assistance.

The longest-running program of its kind in Morris County, Jobs Plus has helped guide young adults toward educational and career readiness for 25 years, Colvin said. Graduation was held Wednesday evening at the Boonton Elks Lodge.

NewBridge Services is a nonprofit organization that provides behavioral health and education programs. For more information, call (973) 839-2520 or visit www.newbridge.org.