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(TRENTON, NJ – October 23, 2023) The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey's (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy is pleased to announce that its “I AM” Youth Leadership Program now includes schools located in New Jersey’s Atlantic and Mercer counties. Additionally, for the 2023-24 school year, the program will be offered simultaneously at three high schools: Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, Foundation Academy Collegiate in Trenton, and Paterson STEAM High School in Paterson. This marks the largest number of cohorts the Mobile Academy has operated concurrently to date.
The "I AM" Youth Leadership Program is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and inspire young leaders. The program provides participants with leadership and job-readiness training, life-skills development, and opportunities to interact directly with professionals from various industries. The “I AM” pedagogy includes classroom mentorship, role-playing, case studies, interactive activities, career development workshops, and a closing ceremony that features individual letters of recommendation and certificates of achievement.
Course titles offered within the program include "Steps to Attaining Leadership," "Team Building," "Ethics," "Public Speaking and Effective Communication," "Job Readiness," "Banking and Financial Literacy," "Entrepreneurship Basics," and "Career Day with government or corporate representatives." This unique feature involves a field trip to a New Jersey corporation or the New Jersey State House, providing an overview of state government, career opportunities, executive or government official dialogue, and mentorship opportunities, as applicable.
"We are thrilled to bring the "I AM" Youth Leadership Program to Mercer and Atlantic counties, enhancing our commitment to nurturing the leadership potential of students from underserved communities," said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, and CEO of the AACCNJ. "By offering this program in North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey at the same time, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals across the entire state of New Jersey, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive and lead. This future pipeline of talented men and women is an essential component to improving the future competitiveness of our New Jersey."
Inquiries about bringing the “I AM” Youth Leadership Program to other high schools or after-school-programs can be sent to [email protected].
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About the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The AACCNJ is a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c)(3) tax exemption, as is the National Black Chamber of Commerce, with which the AACCNJ is affiliated.
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