Newark Teens Earn Full Scholarships To 4 Top Universities

NEWARK, NJ — A group of teens from a prep school in Newark recently earned full scholarships to some of the top colleges in the nation: Yale University, Northwestern University, Emory University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Four “Gray Bees” were awarded early admission status to the above colleges through the QuestBridge National College Match, according to their alma mater, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School.

The Match Scholarship recipients are: Troi Slade ’22 (Yale University), Geovanni Lopez ’22 (Northwestern University), Jaden Oates ’22 (University of Pennsylvania) and Joseph Jumbo ’22 (Emory University).

The teens are the first to achieve the prestigious feat since 2016, as well as the largest group of QuestBridge Match Scholars to ever represent St. Benedict’s Prep.

The full four-year scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and other college-related expenses.

According to school administrators, the highly competitive program, which offers high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds an entrée to some of the most selective colleges and universities in the country, began with a pool of more than 16,500 applicants. In October, 6,312 seniors, including Slade, Lopez, Oates, Jumbo and Marie-Rosa Jeudy ’22, were named QuestBridge National College Match Finalists.

About 1,400 seniors ultimately matched with one of the 45 QuestBridge partner schools.

St. Benedict’s Prep administrators said that students at the school benefit from an “extensive, one-on-one college placement program” that encompasses every aspect of the process, from campus visits to financial aid.

“More than 90% of Gray Bees matriculate to college and persist in higher education at rates far above national averages,” school administrators said. “Graduates also go on to serve in the military, attend trade school, begin apprenticeships or take a post-graduate year before college.”

“Considering that there are only about 1,400 seniors who ultimately match with a college, it’s extraordinary to have four QuestBridge Match Scholars from one school,” Dean of Seniors and College Placement Didier Jean-Baptiste said.

“We’re very proud of them,” Jean-Baptiste added. “They put in a lot of work to earn this achievement. The college guidance staff is also very thankful to all of the teachers who supported this group. It’s a happy day for the community.”

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