This summer, WBGO participated in a groundbreaking arts workforce pilot sponsored by Arts Ed Newark, Lauren Meehan, Executive Directorand theCity of Newark's Workforce Development Board (Summer Youth Employment ProgramSYEP), Karen Gaylord, Executive Director. The initiative grew out of research conducted by UCLA's Visual & Performing Arts Education Program as part of a Wallace Foundation study exploring how arts programs can create career pathways for high school students.
WBGO welcomed three Newark high school students: Milan Deluca (Donald M. Payne School of Technology), Sebastian Ortiz (Marion P. Thomas High School), and Noe Perez (Science Park High School). Throughout the week, they were introduced to the world of public media through hands-on training in scriptwriting, interviewing, storytelling, voice techniques, audio production, and broadcast operations.Student feedback reflecteda highly successfulsummer program, with participants reporting strong satisfaction, meaningful growth, and a memorable experience that exceeded their expectations.
Led by Michele Ralph-Rawls, WBGO's Chief Human Resources Officer and Government Relations Liaison, the station quickly developed and secured approval for its worksite plan. From there, WBGO summer intern and educator Amiri Tulloch, a recent Columbia University graduate and former student radio station manager, designed an immersive media-focused curriculum.
The experience began with a station tour and career conversation led by WBGO President & CEO Steve Williams, who shared insights from his five-decade career in public media. Students then worked alongside Amiri to create original audio stories highlighting influential jazz icons.Amiri was supported by Sinclair Powell, another WBGO intern who is a Jazz Studies major at North Carolina Central University.
Along the way, WBGO professionals Corey Goldberg, Roslyn Turner, Bill Daughtry, Stevan Smith, and Doug Doyle shared their expertise and career journeys, exposing students to a variety of opportunities within media, fundraising, programming, audience engagement, and journalism.
The week culminated with the students conducting an interview with acclaimed jazz vocalist and WBGO host Lezlie Harrison, putting their newly acquired skills into practice.
The pilot concluded at NJPAC, where students from participating arts organizations gathered for a panel discussion featuring Steve Williams (WBGO), Lauren LeBeaux Craig (Newark Arts), Tim Lizura (NJPAC), and Terry Loftis (New Jersey Symphony). The program wrapped up with professional development sessions led by Arts Ed Newark Executive Director Lauren Meehan.
More than a summer experience, the pilot gave young Newark residents a firsthand look at how creativity, storytelling, and the arts can lead to meaningful careers.
Watch student, Milan Deluca interview Singer and Come Sunday host Lezlie Harrison below: