Newark, NJ – October 11, 2024 – Newmark Associates, in partnership with the Newark Board of Education is pleased to announce the successful completion of its inaugural internship program specifically designed for Newark high school students interested in the field of commercial real estate. This pioneering initiative was aimed to introduce students to the multifaceted world of commercial real estate with an initial focus on architecture, appraisal, and construction.

The program ­­- the brainchild of Jack Maier, Ebony Parham, Amanda Jones and Jeannette Melillo, all Newmark Associates professionals, in collaboration with Newark Superintendent of Schools Roger León and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Maria Ortiz – was the first of its kind offered to high school students. The internship provided a unique, “hands-on” learning experience for 20 ambitious students. Under the mentorship of seasoned professionals at Newmark Associates and volunteers from various professions, the interns were introduced to various aspects of the commercial real estate industry gaining invaluable insights and practical knowledge.

Click on the links below to see video highlights from the summer program:

https://youtu.be/ZLIJ1i6tyCk

https://youtu.be/nPerVcWEvrk

Key highlights of the mentorship program included students exploring architectural design principles and discovering the critical role of architecture in commercial real estate projects. This aspect of the program was presented by Dana Jenkins, Founder & President of Jenkins & Grey, a woman-owned architecture firm.  Ms. Jenkins recently completed the corporate headquarters design of Mars Wrigley in Newark, N.J. Her unique presentation to the students included providing them with straws and DOT candy to construct a structure which incorporated design principles.

Other volunteer professionals included Marjorie Perry of MZM Construction & Management, a certified WBE (women-owned business enterprise) construction firm. Ms. Perry provided valuable insights into the field of construction and project management. Ms. Perry’s vast experience includes construction of Terminal A at Newark airport, a project consisting of over 2 million square feet.

Additionally, Mr. Art Linfante, Managing Director of Integra Realty Resources, introduced the field of appraisal to the students and provided examples which gave students the opportunity to evaluate buildings for sale.

“We are thrilled to have completed our first internship program and to have provided these bright young students with a comprehensive introduction to the commercial real estate industry,” said Susanne Newmark, CEO of Newmark Associates. “Our goal was to inspire and educate the next generation of real estate professionals, and we are confident that these students have gained skills and knowledge that will benefit them in their chosen careers.”

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of Susanne Newmark and her team at Newmark Associates for providing this valuable learning experience to our students,” said Superintendent of Schools León. “Internship opportunities help young people visualize possibilities for their future, and consider different career options. We are grateful to every who made the Newark Associates internships possible.”

“I want to congratulate the students who successfully completed this groundbreaking internship program,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “This partnership with Newmark Associates has opened new doors for our students, offering them invaluable insights into the dynamic world of commercial real estate. We are immensely grateful to Newmark Associates for their commitment to our students and their futures.”

Ernest Pope of the Newark School System served to enhance the program by providing classroom experience to the students prior to the on-site visits. His partnership was essential to the success of the program.

Newmark Associates plans to expand the program in the coming years, offering more opportunities for students to explore the diverse and exciting field of commercial real estate.

Newmark Associates, CRE, located in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, is certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and is an affiliate of CRESDA (Commercial Real Estate Supplier Diversity Alliance), servicing the supplier diversity requirements of Fortune 100 companies across the country. Celebrating more than 35 years in the commercial real estate industry as one of the top brokerage companies in the state, Newmark Associates has been recognized repeatedly with awards by both NJBIZ magazine, and the CoStar Commercial Real Estate organization.  Newmark specializes in lease and sales transactions of office, industrial, retail, land, healthcare, and mixed-use properties.

Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls more than 39,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and since return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 10 new schools under Superintendent Roger León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years.

The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.