First-Class Success: NJIT Mayor's Scholar Pursues Law Degree at University of Maryland

When Kiaja Jones ’23 arrived at NJIT from Newark’s Technology High School in 2019, she did so as part of the inaugural class of local scholars from the Mayor’s Honors Scholar Program. Now she’s leaving her home city, diploma in-hand, as a reflection of the program’s early success and will be pursuing a law degree at the University of Maryland in the fall.

While Jones began her first semester as an IT major, she says it wasn’t exactly a straightforward path. Her academic journey was one of self-discovery, eventually finding her calling through NJIT’s Law, Technology and Culture program.

Here, Jones reflects on her memorable undergrad experiences.

What led you to the Mayor’s Honors Scholar program and sparked your interest in NJIT initially?

My senior year of high school was the first time in decades that the City of Newark had control over its public schools. I heard a few of my friends being invited to an event where they talked about a scholarship the newly appointed superintendent, Mayor of Newark Ras Baraka and NJIT wanted to implement. A few months later, I was still debating on what school I wanted to attend when I was pulled into a group with a few of my peers and asked if I would commit to NJIT if selected for what became the Mayor Scholars Program. I had a gut feeling telling me to accept.

What inspired you to study law?

I came in as an Information Technology major. However, it was something I did a lot of in high school and now found disinteresting. I switched a few times but settled with law because I found my class “Medicine & Law in Modern History” taught by Professor Stephen Pemberton interesting. At the time I was considering a career in medicine but found that it was limiting. That class gave me the idea of working in law or policy.

What are some of the things you were proud to be a part of?

To be part of Delta Phi Epsilon as well as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Both groups forced me out of my comfort zone and rewarded me with opportunities and a community that genuinely wants to see me thrive.

What has been the most impactful aspect of the Mayor’s Honors Scholar Program?

It gave me a renewed sense of pride for my hometown. I didn’t realize how much effort has been put into reviving Newark. The program gave me an opportunity to intern at City Hall the summer before I began studying at NJIT and partake in a service learning project with the Newark Housing Authority. It was the first time I saw that there are people actively doing something about issues residents faced. I also got to see the effort the NJIT community is trying to give back.

What do you hope to accomplish in the legal field?

I want to do something that would allow me to advocate for people like the ones I grew up with on a large scale and support those that may need legal aid in areas like malpractice or housing insecurity.

What will you remember most from your time at NJIT?

There are so many things I will remember from NJIT. The entire fall 2021 semester since it was the first time we were fully back in person since the pandemic and the first time I felt like I knew what I wanted to get out of my time here.