Hoboken High School Students Graduate from Development School for Youth
Students are gearing up for their Internships in the Summer of 2025
Hoboken, NJ — Tuesday, January 14, 2025
The Hoboken High School Guidance Department proudly announces that four outstanding students — Nikolai Berrue, Luca Matullo, Grayson Stier, and Luigi Velez — have graduated from the Fall 2024 session of the All Stars Project Inc.’s Development School for Youth (DSY). These students’ achievements mark a significant milestone as they prepare to embark on summer internships beginning July 7, 2025. To ensure they are fully prepared for the opportunities ahead, they will also participate in Internship Preparation sessions throughout June.
Experiences like the Development School for Youth (DSY) are transformative for high school students, offering them the chance to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career exposure. By participating in this nationally recognized program, students gain hands-on insights into the professional world, helping them connect their academic achievements with practical applications in the workforce. These opportunities are critical in fostering confidence, building leadership skills, and broadening students’ understanding of potential career pathways.
Through the DSY program, students engage in high-impact workshops led by professionals from prestigious companies such as JPMorgan Chase, EY, MetLife, Paramount Global, and RBC Capital Markets. These workshops cover essential topics, including leadership, resume writing, networking, public speaking, and professional etiquette. This direct engagement with industry leaders allows students to envision their futures while equipping them with the tools to succeed.
Hoboken High School Principal Robin Piccapietra emphasized the value of connecting education to real-world experience:"Programs like the Development School for Youth are vital because they show students how the skills they develop in the classroom translate into the professional world. This experience not only builds their confidence but also empowers them to see the endless possibilities ahead. Nikolai, Luca, Grayson, and Luigi have worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and I know they will make the most of the opportunities ahead."
For students like Nikolai, Luca, Grayson, and Luigi, this program has been life-changing. They’ve experienced firsthand the power of stepping outside their comfort zones, engaging with mentors, and mastering the professional skills that will serve them for years to come. Their upcoming internships will allow them to apply these lessons in a workplace setting, further solidifying their understanding of what it takes to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Guidance Coordinator Ms. Stacie Gleason underscored the importance of providing students with such opportunities: "This program demonstrates the importance of exposing students to real-world experiences while they are still in high school. When we connect learning to hands-on career exposure, we help students develop a vision for their future and give them the tools to achieve it. Programs like DSY help our students see that their potential is limitless, and I am incredibly proud of Nikolai, Luca, Grayson, and Luigi for seizing this opportunity."
Beyond individual success, programs like DSY also prepare students to contribute to a larger workforce and community. By blending academic knowledge with professional exposure, students develop a unique understanding of how their education applies to real-world challenges and opportunities. This synergy between school and work cultivates well-rounded individuals ready to lead in their chosen fields.
Since its inception, the All Stars Project Inc. has partnered with over 200 companies to create a philanthropic movement focused on supporting underserved youth. These partnerships enable students to connect with industry professionals who dedicate their time, expertise, and resources to mentoring and empowering the next generation.
Hoboken High School celebrates the achievements of Nikolai, Luca, Grayson, and Luigi and looks forward to seeing them thrive in their internships. Their success is a testament to the power of blending academic preparation with career exposure, as well as the strength of partnerships that open doors for young people to achieve their dreams.
For more information about the Development School for Youth or Hoboken High School’s commitment to student success, please contact the Hoboken High School Guidance Department at [email protected]
About the All Stars Project Inc.
The All Stars Project Inc. is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to using the developmental power of performance to transform the lives of youth and families from underserved communities. By connecting young people with business leaders and professionals, the organization fosters personal growth, leadership development, and access to opportunities that help bridge the gap between potential and achievement.
About Hoboken High School
Hoboken High School (Hoboken HS) is a vibrant and diverse public high school located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, Hoboken High School is committed to providing an inclusive, well-rounded education that prepares students for academic, social, and personal success. With a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and extracurricular involvement, Hoboken HS is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and challenging environment for all students.