LEAD Charter School

Civic learning, in real life.
LEAD students traveled to the New Jersey Statehouse with our Youth Policy Council to walk the halls, meet the people doing the work of state government, and learn how policy actually gets made.
Our guide Matt walked the group through the legislative process and the history of the building. Students asked thoughtful questions about how the issues affecting their day-to-day lives can be addressed through state policy.

Standing in front of the wall of past governors, one student looked up and asked: "How do I get my face up there?"
That curiosity and sense of possibility is what LEAD is about.

Back to the NJ statehouse this week. LEAD students with the Youth Policy Council are heading to Trenton to tour the building, meet with legislators, and see firsthand how state government affects the schools they attend, from funding to the rules that govern day-to-day learning.
The Youth Policy Council brings together elected youth representatives, staff, and program leadership to shape the direction of school policy.

Check out these highlights from our last visit!

Join us as we celebrate the LEAD Charter School Class of 2026 graduates! 🎓

📅 Wednesday, June 17, 2026
🕘 Students arrive at 9:30 AM | Ceremony at 10:00 AM 📍
Newark Symphony Hall, 1030 Broad St., Newark, NJ 07102

Questions?
Contact: Ms. Wright at [email protected]

Last week, LEAD students had the chance to try on and choose clothes for our Hollywood Glamour-themed 2026 Prom! 🎬

Special thanks to those who donated these beautiful dresses.
Our students are ready to shine like the stars they are! ✨

Yesterday's LEAD Career Expo brought together motivated young people with the employers, educators, and community leaders ready to help them move forward. Our students came prepared, asked the hard questions, and made the connections that matter.
Thanks to everyone who made this a successful event!

This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the women who show up for young people every single day.

Jasmine Joseph-Forman, Chief Program Officer at NOYN, leads with her whole story. Her grandmothers modeled quiet strength and faith. Her aunt moved through the world in unapologetic confidence. Her mother built a legacy of community and service.
“These are the women whose shoulders I stand on, only hoping to build the same legacy for my daughter and generations after her.”

To every young woman in our school and programs, she has a message we carry too:
“You are worthy. You don’t have to become someone else to succeed. You just have to refine who you already are.”