Inspiring the Next Generation of Students from Newark Academy

As part of its commitment to community engagement, Montclair State University Libraries once again opened its doors to students from Newark Academy both participating in the The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB), a globally recognized and academically rigorous curriculum for high school students, as well as some who joined purely for the academic experience. From May 28 to June 2, 2025, approximately 100 students from Newark Academy visited the library across three full-day sessions to advance work on their Extended Essays—a core element of the IB program.

The Extended Essay challenges students to pursue independent research and produce an academic paper on a topic of their choosing. Throughout their time in the library, students explored print collections, navigated scholarly databases, and consulted with professional librarians as they refined their research questions and sourced credible evidence.

This year’s collaboration builds on the success of the previous summer’s visit. That experience remains a highlight for many students and educators alike. Reflecting on the continued partnership, one student  shared:

“I really enjoyed working at the library for research. It was a wonderful experience that gave me insights as to what college would be like and the environment was a great environment to do work in. I developed several research and study strategies from this, so I really enjoyed this experience.”

Students left campus with more than just sources—they gained research confidence and a glimpse into academic life beyond high school.

University Libraries is proud to support these young scholars on their intellectual journeys and remains committed to fostering partnerships that enrich the academic growth of the surrounding community.