Jun 8, 2009 7:30 pm US/Eastern
NJ High School Students Learn To Dress For Success
Reporting
Cindy Hsu
ROSELLE, N.J. (CBS) ―
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One group of students in New Jersey is using every minute to "dress for success," preparing for the working world.
CBS
As we get into the month of June, most high school students are counting the days until summer break – but not all of them.
One group of students in New Jersey is using every minute to "dress for success," preparing for the working world.
Students at Abraham Clark High School in Roselle, NJ are serious about getting the job, earning the scholarship, and nailing that college interview.
They started a program called Dress for Success – Prep for Success. Once a month, they come to school dressed for business, and can choose from clothes donated by school staff and local merchants. They also learn resume writing, interviewing skills, and the importance of a strong first impression.
"It makes me feel good, now I know what I should and shouldn't do and it'll help me out to get the job or go to that college," student Brendella Olds says. "I want to be a teacher."
"It's helped me know how to dress and carry myself when I go to college interviews or scholarship interviews," Pekens Antoine says. "It makes me feel like I know what I want, and I know I want success."
Vice Principal Rashon Mickens came up with the idea. He says most of the students never owned a tie, and says the payoff was immediate.
"They walk around here with a sense of pride and a sense of worth, and they know you're taking [them] serious today, because [they're] here for business," Mickens says.
The program started in December, with about 190 kids in the cafeteria. Within six months, it grew to more than 700 students wanting to participate. Now, the workshops are held in the auditorium to handle the huge crowd.
To get in, the students have to dress the part.
"We would greet them at the door, and we'd say, "no that's not appropriate." And they'd say, 'why not?'" teacher Diana Lobozzo says. "We'd say, 'just think about it – if you were in a business setting, would you wear that to the business?' [Then they'd say] 'Oh that's what you mean for dress for success' and we'd say yes."
"I feel confident, it makes me speak better," student LaQuan Marshall says. "I just feel like I can do anything."
Marshall is already sophomore class president, and plans to be a doctor.
The students are allowed to keep the clothes – the only requirement is to write a letter of thanks to the person who donated them.
To learn more or donate, you can contact Mickens directly via telephone or e-mail.
Dress for Success/Prep for Success Clothing Donations
Contact: Vice Principal Rashon Mickens
Phone: (908) 298 - 2024
rmickens@roselleschools.org
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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