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Exploring Careers in Financial Law: Students Visit Barclays for an Enlightening Legal Experience!

On Thursday, April 24, a group of high school students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology stepped into the professional world of financial law with a visit to Barclays—a leading global financial services provider. The visit, held at the company’s New York office, offered a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from experienced legal professionals about the dynamic intersections of law, finance, and global policy. The experience highlighted Arete’s commitment to career connected learning and offering students exposure to diverse career pathways.

The visit kicked off with a warm welcome and pizza, giving students a chance to settle in before diving into an exciting lineup of presentations. Sheri Levine-Shea and Virginia “Ginny” Hildreth, two Financial Crime Lawyers at Barclays presented real-world case studies involving money laundering and fraud, walking students through the intricacies of compliance, due diligence, and cross-border investigations. Their discussion emphasized the global nature of financial crime and how international regulations shape the legal work they do.

Next, Felix Dubosse, a Litigation Attorney at Barclays, gave an insightful presentation on managing complex legal disputes in the financial sector. He highlighted the litigation process, emphasizing legal research, negotiation skills, and risk mitigation. Students learned how legal teams prepare for cases that span multiple jurisdictions and how firms like Barclays navigate the challenges of a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. To wrap up the visit, Barclays team member and Areté Board Treasurer Jared Steller chatted with the students and led a brief tour of the building. This offered a glimpse into daily life at a major financial institution.

Throughout the visit, students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and diving into lively discussions sparked by the case examples presented. It was an eye-opening experience for the students as they gain a deeper understanding of how legal professionals must not only understand the law but also navigate financial systems, international regulations, digital currencies, and cybersecurity. The visit also emphasized how success in this field depends on critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to adapt within the industry.

English - 05/07/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Celebrating Connection and Achievement at the BioQuest Graduation & Family Science Day!

On Saturday, April 12, our students and families from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology gathered for the BioQuest Graduation and Family Science Day at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. The event marked the culmination of a year of exploration, growth, and community through the BioQuest program, in partnership with RTW Foundation!

The day began with excitement as mentors and mentees paired up to explore exhibits and partake in a museum-wide scavenger hunt. From the outer reaches of space to the depths of the human brain, teams explored the museum, learning and bonding over the various facets of science.

Following the scientific museum, attendees gathered for a heartwarming graduation ceremony, recognizing the accomplishments of each BioQuest participant. The room filled with smiles and cheers as mentees received their certificates and mentors were celebrated for their commitment and guidance.

Families, students, and staff came together as a community, celebrating not just academic milestones, but the deep relationships and lasting inspiration that BioQuest provides for our students!

English - 05/03/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

BioQuest Trip with Weill Cornell Inspires Future Innovators in Public Health

On Thursday, March 13, students took a deep dive into the fields of immunology and public health, held in collaboration with the Tri-Institution Minority Society graduate students at Weill Cornell. The event challenged students to think critically about pressing public health concerns and develop innovative solutions alongside graduate students and mentors.

The day’s activities culminated in a dynamic Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Students formed small groups to brainstorm and design health-changing products, ranging from mobile applications and wearable devices to artificial intelligence-powered solutions. Guided by their mentors, they refined their ideas and crafted persuasive presentations to showcase their concepts. Each team then pitched their product to an audience of peers and mentors, who acted as investors. The students strategically allocated their investments to the ideas they found most promising. The team that secured the most investments emerged as the winner and received a prize.

By working closely with graduate students from Weill Cornell, our students gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare field, equipping them with knowledge and inspiration to pursue future careers in STEM and public health!

English - 03/19/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Career Day at the Laboratory School of Finance and Technology: Inspiring Future Leaders!

On February 7, The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology hosted a Career Day, welcoming 26 professionals from diverse industries to share their expertise and life experiences with students. This event ignited curiosity and provided invaluable insights that will help shape the future paths of many students.

Professionals from industries including science, finance, entertainment, law, technology and education dedicated their time to engage with students. Each speaker shared their unique career journey, offering students a glimpse into the possibilities ahead. Some of the notable professions represented included:

Sciences & Environmental Stewardship: Employees from the NY Aquarium, NYC DEP, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the New York Botanical Garden highlighted careers in environmental conservation and scientific research.
Technology & AI: Experts from Morgan Stanley and Obzerv.ai provided insight into the rapidly evolving fields of AI, user experience design, and finance technology.
Legal & Advocacy: Professionals from Bronx Defenders and Immigrant Justice Corps spoke about the importance of community engagement, advocacy, and legal services.
Entertainment & Arts: An actor from Back to the Future on Broadway, a visual artist from Leo Lopez Art & Design, and the CEO of Billionaire Comedy LLC shared their experiences in creative industries.
Healthcare & Mental Health: Representatives from Columbia University and the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling discussed careers in medical research, global health, and behavioral therapy.
Finance & Business: Executives from JP Morgan, CohnReznick, and Red Talisman LLC (American Express) provided insight into finance and corporate leadership.
Military & Law Enforcement: A Major from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, who also serves as a police officer, educated students on balancing a military career with civilian employment.

More than just a series of presentations, this event fostered meaningful dialogue between students and professionals. Students were encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and explore potential career paths. Many of the professionals expressed a willingness to continue mentoring students, strengthening the school’s network of support and opportunity.

Among the dedicated volunteers was Major Deivy Martinez, who serves in the Marine Corps Reserves while working full-time as a police officer with the New Rochelle Police Department. Reflecting on the event, Major Martinez shared:

Highlight of the Event: "Being able to educate children on opportunities within the military reserve component."

Why Volunteer? "To help children understand they can serve in the military (in the reserves) at the same time as having a ‘normal’ day-to-day job."

The success of this year’s Career Day underscores the importance of industry partnerships in education. We look forward to expanding these connections through internships, mentorship programs, and additional networking opportunities that will continue to empower students as they prepare for their futures. Thank you to all our guest speakers who took the time to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals!

English - 03/14/2025 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

F&T Holiday Kickoff Brings Warmth and Cheer to Families!

On Saturday, December 14, our community came together for a heartwarming and festive Holiday Kickoff at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology! With the season of giving in mind, we distributed 250 sets of hats, gloves, and scarves to ensure our families stay warm this winter. Additionally, toys brought joy to the students, and toiletries and cosmetics provided support to our families.

The event featured a delightful buffet-style brunch followed by exciting raffles, with prizes ranging from gift cards to items like speakers, sneakers, and AirPods Max.

Throughout the day, families had the opportunity to connect with one another, capture special moments in family photos, and immerse themselves in creative arts activities. The Band Club also put on an incredible performance, adding a touch of musical magic to the celebration.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success!

English - 12/23/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

F&T Students Explore JLABS: A Day of Science, Teamwork, and Celebration

On December 10th, 32 students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology participated in an engaging and hands-on BioQuest trip to Johnson & Johnson JLABS and the New York Genome Center in Manhattan. The event provided students with an exciting opportunity to explore the world of science, engage with mentors, and celebrate their achievements in the BioQuest program.

A Day of Discovery and Hands-On Learning

Throughout the day, students participated in interactive lab-based activities, explored scientific concepts, and experienced the real-world environment of a professional lab. The trip began with a Team Pipetting Challenge at JLABS, where students learned how to use high-quality pipettes, timed one another to complete tasks, and got a glimpse of an active lab environment. Students also had the opportunity to speak with scientists, put on lab coats, and pose for fun lab-themed photos. At the Genome Center Cafe, the focus shifted to immersive experiments and teamwork. Students extracted DNA from strawberries during the Strawberry DNA Extraction activity. This experiment not only taught scientific concepts but also encouraged peer mentorship as returning students helped guide new participants.

Other exciting activities included Snow Making, where students explored the chemical reaction between baking soda and shaving cream to create artificial "snow," and Marshmallow Towers, a building challenge that sparked creativity and friendly competition as teams constructed the tallest structures using marshmallows and toothpicks. The day also featured a BioQuest Focus Group, where students reflected on their experiences in the program and shared ideas for future opportunities, such as internships and ambassador roles. The final activity, the Gingerbread Engineering Challenge, allowed students to showcase their design and teamwork skills by constructing gingerbread houses with an array of materials provided.

Building Connections and Celebrating Achievements

More than just a scientific field trip, the BioQuest JLABS & Winter Celebration provided students with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with mentors and peers. Through team-based activities, students collaborated, shared ideas, and celebrated their participation in the program. Each student received a BioQuest sweatshirt, personalized cards from their mentors, and winter-themed gifts. This incredible trip was made possible through our partnership with RTW, whose continued support helps provide these enriching experiences for our students. BioQuest continues to empower students at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology by providing trips that ignite curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future opportunities!

English - 12/20/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Grateful Gatherings: Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Success!

On Saturday, November 23rd, Areté, in partnership with The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, hosted a heartwarming Thanksgiving Grab-and-Go Family Event for our students and their families. The event aimed to ensure every family in our school community could enjoy a fulfilling and memorable holiday!

We distributed bags filled with essential Thanksgiving groceries, along with take-home hot meals to help ease the financial strain of holiday preparations. Families left equipped to host their celebrations with gratitude and joy.

A special thank-you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who helped pack groceries on Friday, November 22nd, in the MS/HS 223 basement, and to those who helped distribute the hot meals and bags the day of the event. Your efforts made this event a resounding success and exemplified the spirit of community and giving that Thanksgiving is all about.

We look forward to continuing to support our school community through events like these!

English - 12/19/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Launch of Programming at our 3 Partner Schools!

This year, we are offering a wide variety of enriching after-school clubs aimed at fostering student creativity, social-emotional learning (SEL), and academic success at our three partner schools - The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, PS 59: The Dawn Best School, and High School for Media and Communications. From middle school creative clubs to high school career-focused courses, these schools are providing a diverse range of activities aimed at nurturing students' creativity, physical health, and social-emotional development.

The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology

At The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, which started its after-school programming on September 9th, students have access to a robust selection of activities, ranging from creative arts to physical wellness.

For middle schoolers, the available programs include:

Anime/Manga Club
Arts & Crafts
Band
BioQuest
Creative EQ
Dance
Game Theory
HLAX Boys and Girls
Musical
Strength & Stretching
Table Tennis
Team Sports
Visual Arts

This month in chef academy, students dove into an exciting culinary adventure, starting with an introduction to the program during their first lesson. They explored the question, “What will we do in Chef Academy?” and kicked off their cooking journey by preparing a delicious pasta dish. In the following lessons, they focused on building foundational skills, including following safety procedures and understanding cooking terms. Students then transitioned into breakfast dishes, mastering skills like reading recipes and learning techniques such as flipping and beating while preparing vegetable omelets. They continued expanding their breakfast repertoire by making waffles using a waffle iron, and healthy muffins, where they learned how to bake.

As the month progressed, students tackled lunch and dinner meals, gradually developing more complex skills like altering recipes, using different kitchen equipment such as skewers and blenders, and learning cooking styles like grilling and chopping. They explored various cultural dishes, including Hawaiian BBQ chicken skewers, Mexican-style sliders, and mini deep-dish pizzas. Each lesson was filled with teamwork and hands-on learning, providing students with a diverse and enriching experience in the kitchen.

In the Strength, Stretching, and Flexibility club, students focused on building both strength and flexibility. Participants engaged in workouts like push-ups and sit-ups to develop core strength, followed by a variety of body stretches. The benefits of stretching are numerous, including injury prevention, improved muscle coordination, better posture, enhanced sports performance, and overall physical and mental well-being. This club helps foster a balanced approach to fitness, supporting students in achieving greater health and resilience.

For high schoolers, programming includes:

Blackity
Creative Writing
Health
Journalism
Graphic Design
Bridgeology/Salvadori/Game Theory
Studio Art

In Creative Writing, students have started to engage in self-expression and thinking imaginatively through various methods such as poetry, short stories, comic books, songs, and scripts. In this class, free-writing will be used as a way to brainstorm, reflect, and discuss ideas. Students will also look at art to inspire their writing, followed by creating their own art through words, rhyming schemes, and visuals.

In Bridgeology, students will become exposed to the fascinating world of bridge engineering, highlighting bridges as symbols of connection and resilience. Students will explore the structural uniqueness of different bridge types, studying key components like trusses, arches, and suspension systems while learning how forces such as tension and compression support heavy loads. Through lessons on iconic bridges, participants will apply geometric principles like symmetry, load distribution, and the Pythagorean theorem to design their own efficient structures. The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving, culminating in a collaborative final project where students will build a scale model of a truss bridge, merging creativity and engineering to address community challenges. This club offers an exciting blend of teamwork, geometry, and hands-on learning.

P.S. 59: The Dawn Best School

PS 59 began its programming on September 30th, offering a wide range of day and after school activities that aim to strengthen both academic and social-emotional skills. Some of the key offerings include:

Arts & Crafts: This course helps students develop a relationship with art, using various materials to create projects that reflect themes such as community and self-expression. The program culminates in a student art exhibition.
SEL (Social Emotional Learning): Students partake in a social emotional learning club, part of the daytime lunch program. Anchored in the Niroga Institute's Transformative Life Skills (TLS) curriculum, this course helps students practice centering, breathing, and reflection to increase focus and develop empathy. This program aligns with CASEL’s SEL framework, supporting students in building self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills.
Dance: Through hip-hop and Latin dance styles, students gain physical coordination, self-discipline, and cultural knowledge while working together to create choreography.
Sports and Wellness: This program encourages physical activity through sports like soccer and pickleball, while also emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular health.
Phoenix Choice & Voice: A board game club that teaches critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills through strategic gameplay.
Phoenix Explorers: A STEM program where students engage in hands-on science and engineering projects, fostering creativity and innovation.
Phoenix Futures: A career exploration program that introduces students to various professions and helps them think critically about their future career paths.
Phoenix Voices: A music club that builds confidence and social connection through singing and exploring different genres of music.
Phoenix Steppers: A unique club that teaches students how to use body movements and rhythms to communicate and tell stories through stepping.
I Am Beauty Social Club: Focused on self-care and self-love, this club teaches students about different hair textures, skin tones, and hygiene routines while fostering a sense of sisterhood.
Phoenix Spelling Bees: A competitive club that enhances students' spelling, vocabulary, and language skills while promoting teamwork and confidence through Spelling Bee competitions.

High School for Media and Communications

High School for Media and Communications will start its programming on October 15th. Students here can explore a variety of creative, media-driven, and technology-focused activities that allow them to express themselves and prepare for future careers in communications. The programming includes sports broadcasting, media news, edge tech, set design, and more, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the world of media and beyond. In sports broadcasting, students will channel their inner ESPN to report on local sports for their classmates. Students involved in edge tech will learn about resourcefulness by creating high-quality content using everyday technology found in the average American home. In media news, students will curate, write, and present breaking stories, while set design offers hands-on experience in building the theatrical environments that bring productions to life. In addition, students can explore various clubs such as dance, art, ping pong, dominoes, guitar, and improv, ensuring a well-rounded experience that blends both artistic and technical talents.

With such a wide array of programs, students at The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, PS 59: The Dawn Best School, and the High School for Media and Communications are being offered enriching experiences that will shape their future. These schools are investing in creativity, academic success, social-emotional growth, and physical well-being, ensuring that students thrive both in the classroom and beyond.

English - 10/21/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Nurturing Dance and Music in Education: Highlighting Dance Clubs at Partner Sites

Programming at Arete Education’s 3 partner school sites redefines the learning landscape by integrating dance clubs into the afterschool curriculum. These clubs offer students a unique opportunity to receive dance training within the school environment. By fostering creativity, confidence, and community, Arete Education’s dance programming ignites a passion for the arts and enriches students' educational experiences!

At PS 59: The Dawn Best School and The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, SNS Artistry emphasizes the importance of dance and music in education. Their mission is clear and compelling: to provide students with the opportunity to receive quality training in dance and music within the school system. By doing so, they aim to ignite a lifelong passion for dance and music in young minds.

SNS Artistry's approach to teaching is as diverse as their student body. Catering to all grades and groups, they understand that each student is unique. The structure of their programs depends on the attention level, ambition, and enthusiasm of each group. Whether it's hip-hop, salsa, or bachata, the dance styles taught are chosen based on the students' ability to comprehend and understand timing, rhythm, and retention.

One of the significant incentives for students is the love for dance and music that SNS Artistry fosters through their sessions. This passion is showcased through end-of-season performances. These performances are a way for students to exhibit the skills they have learned in front of an audience, boosting their confidence and sense of achievement. Additionally, these performances are more than just a showcase of talent; they are a celebration of hard work, dedication, and community.

The success stories emerging from SNS Artistry's programs are numerous. Many students remain in the program throughout their school years, eventually joining dance companies outside the classroom. The program's impact goes beyond teaching dance moves; it builds confidence, emotional intelligence, and perseverance. Students learn to push through challenges, influencing a growth mindset that serves them well, not just in dance but with academic and social development.

Moreover, the program promotes the development of lifelong friendships. Students from different age ranges and with varied interests come together through dance. This community helps them develop essential interpersonal skills.

For the instructors, Steven and Steffani, the most rewarding part of their work is watching the students grow. There is immense joy in seeing young, bright minds evolve into confident individuals. The journey doesn't end when students leave the school; many keep in touch, and teachers witness their progress as they grow older.

“It's a blessing to see these young individuals become who they were meant to be!” - Steffani

Through these programs dedicated to dance, students gain more than just artistic skills. They learn about determination, build friendships, and develop a love for the arts that lasts a lifetime!

English - 07/18/2024 - Anthony Ramirez Diaz

Arete Student Interns and Employees Learn Real World Skills

This year students across Arete's two high school campuses are engaging in real world skills through their internships with Arete.

Student employees at Media High School are engaged in a professionalism seminar where they practice and grow their emotional intelligence, expand their lesson planning skills, and reflect on their own professional strengths, goals, and growth areas. Our self-care club for students at Media High School is growing a culture of wellness among future professionals.

At The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology, high school interns are working with Citizens Bank branch managers to open bank accounts and deepen their personal financial literacy skills. In our pilot ISP Internship, our Communications Interns are mentoring 8th graders to build social media campaigns to raise awareness about common diseases that disproportionally impact patients in the Bronx, conducting interviews with BioQuest STEM mentors, and publishing to Arete's social media channels.