The Atlantic City High School College and Career Fair provided students with a unique opportunity to explore post-secondary options. The event, part of a week-long initiative to prepare students for life after graduation, featured representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools and businesses, giving students firsthand exposure to educational and career pathways.
Senior Carolyn Cezaire initially didn’t get into Rowan University because her grades weren’t high enough.
She didn’t give up, though. She raised her marks and was accepted on the spot on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the College and Career Fair held at Atlantic City High School. “My grades from freshman, sophomore, and junior year were not accepted, so when I applied, they refused me,” Cezaire explained. “I reapplied for the Rowan Choice program, and they told me if I got my grades up for marking periods one and two, I could be accepted—and that’s exactly what I did.”
School Counselor Deborah Tormey said various colleges offered instant decisions. “It’s amazing because our students don’t even have to walk outside these halls to get accepted to college,” said Tormey. “It’s an exciting day for our students—juniors and seniors—to find out that just with their transcript, GPA, and rank, they’re going to be accepted and have plans for their future after graduation.”
Cezaire was one of many students who benefited from the streamlined process. Senior Sierra Hawkins also received an instant decision. She applied to Stockton University on the spot and returned five minutes later with an acceptance letter and a scholarship offer.
“With instant decision, it’s an amazing experience for the students,” Tormey said. “It’s something for them to look forward to, and they can walk away from school saying, ‘I have a plan.’”
The Atlantic City High School College and Career Fair provided students with a unique opportunity to explore post-secondary options. The event, part of a week-long initiative to prepare students for life after graduation, featured representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools and businesses, giving students firsthand exposure to educational and career pathways. Through partnerships with Atlantic City Youth Services and various organizations, the fair gave students access to resources and guidance aimed at helping them make decisions about their future.
Christina Noble, director of Youth Services for the City of Atlantic City, said that in addition to all the other activities, the event featured various workshops including resume writing, building a social media presence in a professional way and how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The Youth Services staff and the Atlantic City High School staff have worked together for the past three years to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
“There was something for each student to take away from this,” said Noble. “All of our students were welcome to come and check out opportunities to help them on their way.”
Some students said they were grateful to be exposed to so many institutions in one place. Senior Teeari Goode said he is considering Temple University, Rowan University, and Montclair State University. He met representatives from all three.“I like the fact that the colleges let us see what they are offering,” said Goode.
Kimora Harrison agreed. “We had time to get information,” said Harrison, who is leaning toward Atlantic Cape Community College because she wants to pursue a career in culinary arts.
Izayah Hargrove, also a senior, said ACCC would be a good fit for him because he wants to pursue Studio Arts.
“The Studio Arts degree emphasizes the exploration of various modes of fine and digital art, with special attention placed on the development of a portfolio, and it prepares the student for transfer to a four-year institution or art school,” the ACCC website states. “This degree can lead to a baccalaureate in fine arts or education.”
Taison Parker, a junior, said the college fair helped her focus.
“I’ve been trying to see what college would be best for me,” Parker said. “I need the school I choose to be strong in athletics and academics and not too far away.” Parker is considering Howard University, Michigan State University, and Texas A&M University. “I’m a junior, so I have time to explore my options,” Parker said.
The College and Career Fair served as the culmination of a week-long series of events aimed at encouraging students to prepare for their futures.
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025: A pep rally kicked off the event.
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Students heard from speakers who provided real-world career insights.
- Thursday, February 27, 2025: The school hosted a sports panel featuring experts who shared insights on career readiness and opportunities in the sports industry.
- Friday, February 28, 2025: The school welcomed some 100 colleges, universities, trade schools, and businesses.
Guidance Counselor Chaia Jennings, who has been named Counselor of the County, said the event was a success.
“The entire week has been phenomenal. “It’s getting bigger and better,” said Jennings. “We try to look at all our students. College is not for everyone, but we are trying to connect them with opportunities for post-secondary options.”
Donald Harris, Director of Secondary Education, said the goal is to help students make informed choices. “We give students an opportunity to see what colleges and companies are out there, what it takes to prepare for post-secondary education, and what it takes to prepare for the workforce,” said Harris. “So many times, we assume our students know what to do and what is available to them, but we wanted to give them a little push. We want them to understand that we are here to support them, and there is a whole community of people ready to help them—whether it be in post-secondary education or the workforce. We want them to see the opportunities available.”
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Participating Organizations
- Boss Kids
- a.fatti
- Youth Service
- Yellow Scholars/FanDuel
- Platinum Real Estate
- Saving is Sexy
- Inlet CDC
- Atlantic Cape Community College / Inlet CDC
- Anti-Violence (City of Atlantic City)
- Chanelle René Art
- eXp Realty
- Cooper Levenson
- U.S. Army
- Sofia’s Hair Designs LLC
- Hard Rock
- ACHS (Navy)
- OceanFirst Bank
- Freestyle Martial Arts Academy, LLC
- Keller Williams
- Fashion Merchandising/HBCUs
- ACHS NJROTC USCG
- Atlantic City Fire Department
- Brigantine City Beach Patrol
- Interbrief.Org
- NSBE
- Humanity Pictures
- TD Bank
- Casino Control Commission
- Stockton Goals Gear Up
- Atlantic City School District ACHS
- AtlantiCare / ACHS
- Stockton EOF
- Stockton University
- Mighty Writers
- The Atlantic County One-Stop Career Center
- Saint Joseph’s University
- Friday Is Tie Day
- Eugene & Willie Mebane Foundation
- The Pina Firm
- Shore Beauty School
- Drew University
- Saint Peter’s University
- Bowie State University
- Girl Scouts
- La Salle University
- North Carolina Central University (NCCU)
- Chestnut Hill College
- City of Atlantic City Multicultural Services
- NJ Dept of Corrections
- Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
- Pennco Tech
- University of Delaware
- Ocean Casino Resort
- Wawa Corporation
- Temple University
- New York University
- Drexel University
- Goldey-Beacom College
- Ramapo College
- Montclair State University
- Howard University
- Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
