Newark, NJ – A coalition of Newark students presented research findings to the city’s school board this week, urging members to address issues impacting student mental health and learning environments. The presentation, delivered Tuesday, stemmed from the Gem Project‘s Youth-Led Accountability Score Card initiative, which involved focus groups wiht peers to identify key concerns.
Despite Newark lowering the voting age to 16 for school board elections, participation among newly enfranchised teens remained low in April’s election, with only 73 of them casting ballots. However, Gem Project founder Amanda Ebokosia emphasized the students’ commitment, stating they attended the meeting because “they believe in the promise of this district.”
The student research revealed widespread discomfort among Newark students regarding mental health discussions, attributed to stigma and negative school climates. Students also reported that mental health issues are often addressed only after they escalate. Physical infrastructure problems-including inadequate heating, inconsistent water quality, broken desks, and wobbly chairs-were identified as significant distractions from learning.
The Gem Project proposed solutions ranging from a peer mental health education program to prioritizing infrastructure improvements and advocating for increased school construction funding.
“We bring the perspective, honesty, and creativity that you can’t find in a survey or spreadsheet. We can help you see what’s working on the ground and what’s missing,” said student representative Bah.
Board President Hasani Council expressed interest in meeting with the Gem Project students. Brielle Monroe Holland, a senior at Newark Tech, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “It was captivating to hear the response we got but I’m not sure if they’re actually going to talk to us.” Monroe Holland also suggested the board use ”more public-friendly words” to improve clarity during meetings.
