Students At This Newark HS Can Earn Credits At Howard University

NEWARK, NJ — A renowned historically Black university is embarking on a “first of its kind” partnership with University High School in Newark.

Earlier this month, the Newark Public School District released details about a new partnership involving the National Education Equity Lab that allows juniors and seniors at the high school to earn college credits at Howard University.

The course, “Principles of Criminal Justice,” is designed for students who are curious about law, sociology or social justice. Students who join the program are eligible to earn high school credit, along with college credit from the university.

The course is being taught by Bahiyyah Muhammad, whom administrators say has gained a reputation as an innovative educator who likes to use “radical ways of engaging students.”

According to district officials:

“Participating students will meet during their regular class period and will be overseen by a co-teacher who will act in a facilitation and coaching role. To further support students, co-teachers will be invited to participate in regular check-ins where they will share information and engage in conversations with other teachers across the country to discuss challenges, highlights and best practices.”

Hallia Robinson, a student at University High School, said the course has helped her to “unpack and understand” different layers within the criminal justice system.

“It makes me feel good to be knowledgeable about laws so I can protect my own rights,” Robinson said.

“What I love most about this course is that I am attending a historically Black university,” Robinson added. “I find it very empowering to see Black people so informed about the law.”

Her sentiments for the program were echoed by classmate Amir Chase.

“This course is an eye-opener for me and most classmates not just for social justice, but for college life as well,” Chase enthused.

The partnership with Howard University has seen support from several school officials in Newark.

“Priority 2 of ‘The Next Decade 2020-30’ outlines the importance of executing curricula for college and career programs with fidelity,” Superintendent Roger León said, referring to the district’s recently released 10-year plan.

“This renowned partnership does that,” León said.

University High School Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton said the program is an “extremely significant” boost for local students.

“Not only does it provide our scholars with the experience of taking a college course while in high school, but it also reaffirms the importance of their value and expands their perspective about opportunities that exist at this great institution and other HBCU's where their experiences are acknowledged and validated by those who are serving as their professors,” Flournoy-Hamilton said.

Lee Snowden, one of the co-teachers involved in the program, said the program will impact Newark for generations to come.

“I am ever so fortunate to work with such a cadre of esteemed scholars as well as stellar Howard University faculty,” Snowden said.

• See related article: Friends Band Together To Help Newark Students Pay For College

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