NRBP and Renaissance Newark Foundation Partner with pocstock to Launch Creative Internship Program8/19/2025  Newark, NJ (August 19, 2025) – The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) and its 501(c)(3) affiliate, the Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF), partnered this summer with pocstock, an NRBP member and Newark-based content and data company, to host a hands-on creative internship program for five students. The initiative was made possible through the City of Newark’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), an initiative of the Newark Workforce Development Board, also a member of NRBP, which connects teenagers and young adults with enriching work opportunities. Over the course of the summer, students gained firsthand experience in photography, videography, and content production—both in pocstock’s studios and out in the Newark community. Guided by pocstock’s professional team, interns explored every stage of the creative process, from concept development and location scouting to camera operation, intellectual property, and preparing content for use as AI data. “This collaboration reflects the very heart of NRBP and the Renaissance Newark Foundation’s missions,” said NRBP’s President and CEO Ferlanda Fox Nixon. “By connecting our members with opportunities to support young people, we are strengthening Newark’s economic competitiveness today while preparing the next generation for success tomorrow. Programs like this demonstrate how education, hands-on experience, and civic participation can come together to fuel growth and create lasting pathways of opportunity for our community.” For Derrick Larane, Chief Operating Officer at pocstock, the program reflects both a personal commitment and the company’s values: “I was once an intern, and that experience set the tone for my career. Internships work and they matter. pocstock is all about partnership, and as a member of the Newark business community, it’s important for us to collaborate with organizations like NRBP to leverage our strengths and create programs that make a real impact.” To support the program, Reworld™, a leader in sustainable waste solutions and a member of NRBP, generously donated funds to RNF. This donation enabled the purchase of professional production equipment used by the interns throughout the summer. “Just as we work to create carbon-negative outcomes that support our business and community partners, we also believe strongly in investing in the next generation,” says Aja Alexander, Community Relations Specialist, Reworld™. “Supporting this program allowed us to provide students with the tools and opportunities to unlock their creativity while building confidence and career skills. We are proud to partner with NRBP, RNF, and pocstock to help open doors for Newark’s young people and empower them to become future leaders and innovators.” Guided by pocstock’s experienced professionals, including Nicole Richardson, Content and Production Coordinator, and Steven Russell, Head of Content, students received personalized instruction and mentorship. The team’s approach fostered both technical growth and creative confidence. “I loved getting to teach them something new, learn about their aspirations and interests, and expose them to the possibilities of what they can do next,” shared Richardson. Russell emphasized the mutual benefits of the program: “The students have a great energy that is intoxicating to be around. Once they’re given the tools to create, experiment, and even make mistakes, you see their personalities emerge. Working with these students benefits us just as much as it benefits them. I hope they carry these skills and do something cool, even if they ultimately do not want to be photographers or videographers.” The impact of the program is best captured in the words of the students themselves, who reflected on what the opportunity meant to them.
This summer’s internship program not only built skills to prepare the interns for a possible future in content production and AI industries, but also created lasting memories for the students, mentors, and partners who made it possible. # # # About Newark Regional Business Partnership Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) is the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region. NRBP’s mission is to strengthen the business community through connections, resources, and advocacy. The organization connects its members to partners and resources that can help strengthen their business and increase the economic competitiveness of Newark and the region. For more information, visit www.newarkrbp.org About pocstock pocstock is a content and data company at the intersection of culture, creativity, and technology. The company provides authentic photography, video, and datasets that represent people of color across the full range of human diversity. Headquartered in Newark, NJ, pocstock’s mission is to help companies tell more inclusive stories and build stronger connections with their audiences. For more information, visit www.pocstock.com
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 I'm absolutely thrilled to shine the spotlight on the recently announced "Experience Newark" initiative. This innovative program is a truly exciting development for our city, designed to brilliantly connect the energy of our major cultural events and festivals with Newark’s thriving restaurant and nightlife scene. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we collaborate with vision and purpose.
This strategic campaign, spearheaded by the Newark Alliance, Invest Newark, and the City of Newark’s Arts and Education District, embodies a forward-thinking approach to economic development. By featuring themed itineraries that pair performances and events with nearby dining options and specials, "Experience Newark" encourages both visitors and residents to have a truly well-rounded and immersive experience in our downtown area. This initiative showcases our city’s incredible vibe and vibrancy, creating lasting connections that will resonate with all generations. "Experience Newark" is also leveraging modern tools, with a mobile digital passport offering exclusive deals, discounts, and rewards. This not only guides visitors through our diverse communities—from the Arts and Education District to the Ironbound—but also directly supports our local businesses. It's fantastic to see the participation of so many Newark-based entrepreneurs. I'd especially like to acknowledge NRBP members like Sihana Bistro and Taste of the Caribbean Restaurant & Catering for their contribution to this new program. This initiative is a powerful example of building long-term visibility for Newark as a dynamic, must-visit city. By intentionally connecting our world-class cultural events with our diverse array of dining and entertainment venues, this initiative directly creates opportunities and prosperity for Newarkers, local businesses, and visitors alike. Our very own NJPAC, as an anchor cultural institution, plays a crucial role in this effort, ensuring those who come for a performance are motivated to explore Newark’s other treasures. “Experience Newark” and other collaborative initiatives, such as the Prudential North to Shore Festival, reflect the kind of strategic partnerships that chambers of commerce champion—bringing together public and private partners to drive foot traffic, boost local business, and showcase the city’s unique assets. Efforts like this strengthen Newark’s economy while encouraging deeper engagement with—and appreciation for—everything our city has to offer. |
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