New Brunswick Schools Launch 'City of Champions' Program

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (October 29, 2025) - The city schools have launched the "City of Champions" initiative, connecting high-achieving high school students with local businesses that will reward their academic success.

The program aims to foster a sense of community support for students making the honor roll (3.0 GPA or higher) and the principal's list at New Brunswick High School, New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School, the Adult Learning Center, and the P-TECH cohort.

At the end of each of the four marking periods, eligible students in grades 9-12 will receive a voucher with a QR code redeemable once at a participating location, upon presentation of their school ID. Rewards range from free food and services to significant discounts on merchandise. (Sorry, no steins.)

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Aubrey Johnson stated the program dovetails with the city's goal of strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations. He noted that the high schools typically see between 300 to 400 students on the honor roll each marking period, and he hopes the program will incentivize more of the approximately 2,400 students to strive for academic excellence.

The businesses participating in the City of Champions program include Pollen Café, Cocina de Chencha, Sabor Express, Costa Chica, Tavern on George, Evelyn's Restaurant, Gallo Felix, Gaby's Bakery, El Sazon, Pizza City, Tacos Basilio, Dunkin, Azteca Unisex Salon, Beauty Boutique, Rosie Rose, Broken, Minor Fine Jewelry, Cristal, Scarlet 156, Garnet Graphics Solutions, New Brunswick City Center, JP Insight, New Millennium Bank, OceanFirst Bank, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick Cultural Center, and State Theatre New Jersey.