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ewmark Associates recently offered 25 Newark high school students a unique opportunity to explore the world of commercial real estate through its summer internship program. Over the course of July, Susanne Newmark and her team hosted weekly sessions that introduced students to various aspects of commercial real estate, including leasing, investment sales, property management, and professional development.

    Through hands-on workshops and site visits, students gained valuable insights into the industry. They met with seasoned professionals, visited NJIT's Hillier College of Architecture & Design, and even evaluated properties to learn about the practical considerations that drive commercial real estate purchases. These experiences aimed to equip students with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue careers in the field.

    The program also included a visit to an IHOP owned by Adenah Bayoh, a successful female restaurateur and developer from Newark. This inspiring example of entrepreneurship and urban development showcased the potential for students to make a positive impact on their community.

    Newmark Associates' team, led by Jack Maier, Ebony Parham, and Jeanette Melillo, collaborated with Ernest Pope, an English teacher at University High School in Newark, to create a program that educated, inspired, and empowered students through direct mentorship and immersive site visits. "This program reflects our belief that real transformation happens when we provide young people with access, education, and mentorship," Newmark said.

    Newark Schools Superintendent Roger León praised the internship program for providing an experiential learning experience beyond the classroom. "Through this internship, our young people learn the fundamentals of commercial real estate and see how their skills can shape communities," he said.

    As a certified woman-owned business founded over 40 years ago, Newmark Associates is committed to building a workplace culture grounded in inclusion, empowerment, and social responsibility. The high school internship program reflects the firm's broader values, giving back to local communities in meaningful ways while advancing diversity in the commercial real estate industry.