Fresh Start Second Chances Hosts Annual Scholarship Workshop Ceremony in Rahway

RAHWAY, NJ — On Monday, June 17, Fresh Start Second Chances, Inc. hosted its Annual Scholarship Workshop Ceremony at Sweet Bliss Event Space in Rahway. The event celebrated Rahway High School (RHS) seniors who participated in a five-month workshop dedicated to researching, drafting, revising, and submitting scholarship applications.

Sponsored by Reworld and Dropped Along the Way , the ceremony exceeded its goal of $10,000, awarding over $15,000 in scholarships. Students received scholarships from various organizations, including the Rahway Chamber of Commerce, Pomptonian Food Service, Union County Club, It’s Kairos Time, RHSAAA, Inc., and regional sororities.

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The workshop offered mentorship, volunteer opportunities, career guidance, essay assistance, and personalized scholarship searches for each student.

The Annual Scholarship Workshop, which will continue yearly for RHS seniors in financial need, aims to address the high costs of higher education that can lead to significant debt. Rising education costs disproportionately impact historically underserved and underrepresented students, which often limit their access to social and economic mobility.

Fresh Start Second Chances seeks to combat these difficulties by supporting students through the scholarship application process, remaining in contact with them for up to a year after graduation, while offering continued guidance and support.

Students who participated in the workshop expressed disbelief at being selected for scholarships worth $1,000 or more. They credited the program with boosting their confidence and helping them produce their best work. Parents were kept informed throughout the process, appreciating the support given to their children.

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Fresh Start Second Chances plans to expand the workshop for the 2025 graduation class in order to increase the number of students and scholarship amounts offered.

Najah Allen, the founder of Fresh Start Second Chances and the creator of the Scholarship Workshop, is dedicated to providing services and resources to marginalized individuals in need of a second chance. Her nonprofit focuses on fostering equitable lifestyles and creating opportunities for those in need.

Allen is also a member of the Rahway Social Justice Commission, Rahway Board of Education, and the NAACP-Rahway and is a volunteer with many organizations in Rahway and Union County. Since 2020, she has worked to address the needs and concerns of young people and has assisted both low-income communities and the formerly incarcerated with community relations and employment, resume building, and employment support.

If readers know of any rising RHS seniors or juniors who need help making college/university decisions, those who require volunteer hours, or anyone else interested in volunteering as a mentor for the Scholarship Workshop, please contact freshstartsecondchances@gmail.com .

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