Counselors from all specialties are welcome to participate.

Please sign up to teach a skill by May 5, 2023

If any counselor or graduate student is not able to participate but would like to support this event, we are accepting monetary donations to put together 12 gift baskets to be raffled at this event.

The due date is May 5, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How will the mini-community fair be set up?

A: There will be tables set up for your to showcase your skills and any tools or supplies you may need.

Q: Will participants have access to electricity if they need it for their presentation?

A: Maybe, but it will be limited, so please bring fully charged electronics with you.

Q: Are there any limitations to the facilities that participants should be aware of?

A: This is a first level auditorium so it is easily accessible to presenters who may use a wheelchair. 

Q: What is the history of West Side High, what are the students like who attend this school?

A: West Side High is an urban school predominantly serving African American & Latino students and it also enrolls students from other ethnic/racial backgrounds. The principal has a progressive approach to education in urban settings. Noticing that some of the students had difficulties with accessing laundry facilities in their residences, the principal installed washers/dryers in the school premises which any student can use after school hours.  Oprah Winfrey was so impressed with the school's model that she showcased the school in her TV program. She donated a half million to this school.

We are Makayla Boria, Ema Simon, and Danasia Lane a few of the students from West Side High School. We hoped that NJCA could continue the project of the Mental Health Fair this year because it was such an influential experience for students like us that struggle with mental health issues. Here are a few words from our classmates who participated in the last  fair "Why would it be helpful for West Side to have a mental health fair"? 

1) "Going through life is not an easy feat and this is definitely true for high school students making the transition to being young adults. It's not just academics that we worry about we struggle with personal growth, self esteem, and even family problems. The mental health fair helped me to find a positive mindset on life regardless of our hardships." 

2) "Being raised in poverty comes with all types challenges and just trying to motivate yourself to wake up every morning to go through a day is a challenge in itself. I was so happy with the fair because it showed that you guys actually cared about my health and didn't want another mindless student walking around. I really do hope you return with the fair because it honestly made me so happy."