Newmark Associates, a commercial real estate firm with a long-standing commitment to community engagement, proudly announces the continuation of its highly successful internship program for high school students in the Newark Public Schools. Now in its second year, this innovative initiative is designed to open doors for young talent by offering hands-on exposure to the dynamic world of commercial real estate beyond the classroom.

Throughout the month of July, Susanne Newmark, President of Newmark Associates, and her dedicated team hosted weekly sessions to introduce these aspiring young professionals to the diverse facets of commercial real estate. The program delves into core principles, including leasing, investment sales, property management, and professional development.

Students gain invaluable real-world insights by meeting with seasoned real estate professionals, gaining firsthand understanding of how projects come to life. Students visited NJIT’s Hillier College of Architecture & Design, where hands-on workshops crafted by architects bring design concepts and construction planning to life. A crucial component of the program involves students gaining experience in evaluating properties and learning the practical considerations that drive commercial real estate purchases. These experiences are designed to provide necessary knowledge and instill the confidence and connections for students to envision their future roles in the industry.

A highlight of the program included a visit to the IHOP in Newark, owned by Adenah Bayoh. Ms. Bayoh, a proud graduate of Newark Public Schools and a prominent female restaurateur and developer, served as an inspiring example of successful entrepreneurship and urban development.

The internship program is spearheaded by the dedicated Newmark Team of Jack Maier, Ebony Parham, and Jeanette Melillo, in cooperation with Mr. Ernest Pope, Teacher of English at University High School. Their collaborative efforts aim to educate, inspire, and empower students through direct mentorship from seasoned professionals and immersive site visits.

“Our mission is to contribute to the communities around us,” said Susanne Newmark, President of Newmark Associates. “This program reflects our belief that real transformation happens when we provide young people with access, education, and mentorship. We’re excited to welcome Newark’s future leaders into our offices and help shape their paths forward.”

“We are deeply grateful to Susanne Newmark and her team for opening doors to a career path that’s often hidden from view,” said Superintendent León. “Through this internship, our young people learn the fundamentals of commercial real estate, and see how their skills, creativity, and vision can shape communities. I want to acknowledge Mr. Pope and Dr. Maria Ortiz, our Assistant Superintendent for High Schools, who helped foster this opportunity for our students. Programs like this align perfectly with our mission to prepare students now for success beyond high school, and we’re proud to work with organizations that believe in our students’ potential as much as we do.”

As a certified woman-owned business founded over 40 years ago, Newmark Associates is proud to build a workplace culture grounded in inclusion, empowerment, and social responsibility. This program reflects the firm’s broader values, not solely advancing diversity in the commercial real estate industry but also giving back to local communities in meaningful, lasting ways.