New Semester, New Opportunities for First-Year Newark Natives at NJIT
Back-to-school buzz has returned to campus, and with it has come the latest wave of promising first-year students hailing from NJIT’s home city of Newark.
A growing number of these Newark natives are poised for success in their first semester thanks to several initiatives launched in recent years, which have helped grow the city’s young STEM talent at NJIT — including the Forensic Science Initiative (FSI), the Math Success Initiative (MSI) and Mayor’s Honors Scholar Program.
Here, we catch up with a few Class of 2028 students as they take on the next chapter of their academic journey.
Nadia Diaz, MSI Participant and Undeclared at the Jordan Hu College of Sciences and Liberal Arts (JHCSLA)
For Nadia Diaz, the catalyst for her journey to NJIT has been the university’s MSI program — an intensive program of mathematics and college prep courses offered by NJIT’s Center for Pre-College Programs (CPCP) and JHCSLA faculty that began for Diaz last year and ended in April.
Recruited by her high school guidance counselors, Diaz quickly realized the impact participating in MSI would have. “I now know that choosing MSI was the best decision I could’ve made. I’m so grateful," said Diaz, a Science Park High School graduate.
Through MSI, Diaz gained access to a supportive community and valuable academic resources. Staying close to home also has its perks. "While attending college in a new city is often glamorized, I feel secure knowing the town and campus," Diaz said. "I know the best corner stores for breakfast, the fastest way to the Jersey Garden Mall, and I’ll never miss home-cooked meals or need an extra pillow."
For Diaz, the most significant benefit of MSI is the scholarships she received, which made college possible. "Coming from a financially challenged background, MSI and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) have covered my tuition and housing, a huge relief," Diaz said. "Now, I can focus on my studies, get involved in clubs, and enjoy life on campus — a dream I’ve had growing up around this university for years."
Abdul Bacchus, FSI Participant and Biomedical Engineering Major
Abdul Bacchus has discovered the ideal blend of comfort and exciting new experiences since arriving at NJIT through FSI earlier this year, which like MSI, involves an intensive multiweek summer program offered through CPCP and JHCSLA.
"The campus is so close to home, yet it feels like a new world to me. I’ve met so many people that come from different places already,” said Bacchus.
A graduate of Newark’s Science Park High School, Bacchus credits NJIT Forensic Science Program Director David Fisher and FSI Senior Program Director Barbara Weller for their instrumental guidance through the program. “As I was making decisions on my college future, it was their support throughout my FSI experience, from the financial aspects to reviewing college essays, that made my being here possible.”
Bacchus says he’s already starting to explore research opportunities to enrich his biomedical engineering studies in his first year, spurred on by the memorable learning experiences he gained through FSI at NJIT’s forensics laboratory.
"FSI was eye-opening. Learning how lab research is conducted, like ballistics analysis and examining firearms up close, was completely new to me and so cool to be a part of," said Bacchus. “Now, I just want to start my time at this university and be successful … that is definitely what I am looking forward to most.”
Alan Daniel Matias Quintero, FSI Participant and Business Major
Alan Daniel Matias Quintero’s journey to NJIT began long before this year.
Growing up and attending Newark Vocational High School, Quintero recalls frequent commutes to NJIT to take part in the Newark Math Olympics, as well as leadership classes with the nonprofit Leaders of the 21st Century.
He soon discovered a special connection forming with the university. "What made me come to love and want to attend NJIT, was how familiar it became to me," said Quintero.
The experiences led him to join the university’s EOP and FSI programs last year. Like other students involved in MSI, FSI and EOP, Quintero was able to secure tuition grants and prepare academically for life at NJIT.
"The FSI program was extremely beneficial. It taught me how to study and the standard of work I should be producing," he said. “Thanks to the scholarships I received, I’m now at my first-choice university without worrying about finances,” said Quintero, who is now ready to dive into campus life.
“I plan to join the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and meet others that are into soccer and eSports like I am. Most of all, I’m excited to continue what I’ve been doing here this summer.”
Isabella Delgadillo, Newark Mayors Scholar and Chemical Engineering Major
Isabella Delgadillo’s path to NJIT began with a simple click of a button: checking a box to apply to the university’s Newark Mayor’s Scholars Program using the popular college application platform, the Common Application.
A standout at Newark’s Arts High School, Delgadillo eventually secured one of three spots in the highly competitive program, launched in 2019 by Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and NJIT. The program supports Newark residents who qualify for the Albert Dorman Honors College (ADHC), with the aim of fostering future leaders.
“[Applying] has been a blessing, allowing me to collaborate on meaningful projects and foster diverse relationships,” said Delgadillo, born in Colombia but raised in Newark. She was drawn to the program's emphasis on civic responsibility. "I think our purpose as scholars is to be authentic, kind and share others’ vulnerability,” added Delgadillo, who has recently volunteered with Happy Portraits Alliance, an arts-based initiative to support senior citizens in her community.
"Being a Scholar feels like a shared gift. ... I’ve realized I can give back to Newark while I’m here.”
As a chemical engineering major who secured financial support for her education through ADHC and EOP, Delgadillo says she hopes to join research efforts on campus that match her career ambitions of developing healthier consumer products. She also plans to be active with NJIT’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Honors Student Council. For now, Delgadillo says the Mayor’s Scholar title will remind her responsibility to her community.
"My attitude affects more than just my own bubble. As a Scholar, I need to put my community first, and that’s a great responsibility."
