By: Richard L. Smith
In Irvington Township, a program is changing lives, breaking barriers, and redefining success for high school students.
I had the oportunity to spend time with the township's Dual Enrollment Program, which is spread across Irvington High School and the Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy, is not just an educational initiative—it’s a life-changing opportunity that places students on a fast track to college and career success.
At its core, this program allows high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, an advantage that saves them time, money, and stress as they transition into higher education.
By partnering with prestigious institutions like New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Syracuse University, Pillar College, Essex County College, and St. Elizabeth University, Irvington Township is giving students a head start on their futures.
The vision for this initiative is bold and inspiring. Superintendent Dr. April April Vauss sees dual enrollment as a pathway to success, equity, and academic excellence for Irvington students.
“The dual enrollment initiative allows students to earn college credits while still in high school, in partnership with institutions like NJIT, Pillar College, and Essex County College. Research shows that dual enrollment positively influences college persistence and degree attainment. By implementing these programs, Irvington Public Schools aims to enhance student preparedness for higher education and future careers. We are building our community, one student at a time!” -Dr. April Vauss, Superintendent
For many students, the ability to experience real college coursework in high school has been transformative. It has ignited new passions, built confidence, and provided a sense of purpose and direction that extends beyond the classroom.
The Power of Opportunity: A Look Inside Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy
My first stop over at Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy, I noticed that the dual enrollment program has already made an impact, with 149 students actively enrolled in nine college courses. Principal Tyisha Bennett sees the initiative as a powerful investment in the future of her scholars.
Courses include Computer Literacy, Engineering Graphics, Applied Computer-Aided Design, Electrical Circuits, African American Studies, and University Mathematics, among others.
During my visit, classroom 23 stood out as a shining example of the program’s success. Here, Mr. Shoukralla, a dedicated and highly qualified instructor, leads students through rigorous college-level mathematics courses.
Approved by NJIT, he is one of the few high school teachers in the state authorized to teach five to six college courses—a testament to his expertise.
Inside his classroom, students were working on graphing exponential and logarithmic functions using a smartboard. Two students confidently worked through problems in front of their peers, accurately labeling function components through multiple exercises.
The room erupted in applause as the students completed their work—a moment of pride, growth, and achievement. Watching from the back of the classroom, Principal Bennett smiled, visibly moved, as she reflected on her own journey as a former math teacher.
For Bennett, this program isn’t just about academics; it’s about preparing students for life.
“Graduation should be a given. What excites me the most is not just knowing they will graduate, but that they will graduate ready—ready for college, ready for careers, ready for anything they want. That’s what matters.” -
Through a partnership with St. Elizabeth University, students at STEAM Academy have the unique opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies, allowing them to earn college credit accepted nationwide.
“Not all colleges accept dual enrollment credits, but AP courses provide another pathway,” Bennett explained. “My scholars will always have options", Principal Bennett said.
As Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy expands to include 12th grade in the 2025-2026 school year, Principal Bennett is committed to ensuring that students leave not just with a diploma, but with skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive beyond high school.
Irvington High School: Preparing Students for College and Leadership
Over at Irvington High School, Principal Darnel R. Mangan is equally passionate about the impact of dual enrollment.
“I came from a time when my family couldn’t afford college,” he said. “This program allows our students to break barriers and take control of their futures.” -Principal Darnel R. Mangan Sr.
One of the standout courses at Irvington High is the dual enrollment History course, offered through Grand Canyon University, which has become a favorite among students in the school’s award-winning JROTC program.
Walking into the JROTC complex, I was immediately struck by the hundreds of trophies, awards, and plaques adorning the walls, tables and counters—a testament to the excellence cultivated in this program. Major (Ret.) Crosby Munro, MSG (Ret.) Sherlock Grant, and SFC (Ret.) Harvey L. Craig lead the program, instilling discipline, leadership, and academic rigor in their cadets.
Two students in particular stood out to me:
Tania Peralta: A Scholar, Athlete, and Future Soldier
Tania Peralta, a senior, soccer team captain, and JROTC Supply and Logistics Officer, is a stellar example of what this program can achieve.
With a 3.7 GPA, she was selected to participate in Grand Canyon University’s dual enrollment history course—an opportunity she has embraced wholeheartedly.
But Tania’s ambitions extend beyond the classroom. Every Saturday, she trains at the New Jersey National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, preparing for enlistment in the U.S. Army immediately after graduation.
“This program gave me the confidence and skills I needed,” Tania said. “My JROTC instructors helped me eliminate peer pressure and speak up for myself. Now, I know exactly what I want to do.” -Tania Peralta
Her goal? To pursue culinary science in the Army, then attend Montclair State University, where she plans to continue her education—fully funded by the military.
Oluwanifemi Seyi-Idowu: An Academic Star
Sophomore Oluwanifemi Seyi-Idowu, with a 3.8 GPA, is ranked #1 in her class and has already begun earning college credits through the dual enrollment program.
A recent immigrant from Nigeria, Seyi-Idowu has quickly established herself as a rising academic leader. Her achievements extend beyond the classroom—she recently won the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest for the entire Irvington School District.
Her JROTC instructors have taken notice.
“She is a sponge for knowledge,” said SFC (Ret.) Craig. “She’s a born leader, and I can see her becoming a CEO or supervisor in the future.”
Seyi-Idowu’s family legacy of excellence continues—her cousin, Emmanuella Oulare, graduated as Irvington High School’s 2024 valedictorian and is now attending Notre Dame on a full scholarship.
A Community Investment That’s Changing Lives
I've found that Irvington Dual Enrollment Program is more than just an academic initiative; it’s a movement—one that is changing the trajectory of students’ lives, providing them with opportunities once thought impossible.
From engineering and mathematics to history and African American studies, Irvington students are earning college credits, saving thousands in tuition, and stepping into their futures with confidence.
Yup, Superintendent Dr. Vauss summed it up best:
“We are not just educating students; we are shaping leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This initiative is about investing in our youth today, so they can build a brighter, stronger, and more equitable future for all of us.”
With every student who walks across the graduation stage armed with college credits, every cadet who rises through JROTC, and every scholar who breaks barriers—Irvington Township is proving that when a community invests in its young people, the rewards are limitless.
The future is bright. The future is now. And it’s happening right here in Irvington Township.