PEP Program Celebrates 12 Students and Alumni Reaching Major Educational Milestones

The PEP Program recently celebrated an important milestone for 12 students and alumni: six who earned post-secondary degrees or credentials and six Summit High School graduates who are beginning the next stage of their educational journeys.

PEP, which stands for Providing Educational Possibilities, is a college-access and student support program serving motivated students from Summit public schools. The program provides academic, social-emotional, college-readiness, and financial support beginning in grades 7–12 and continuing through post-secondary education.

Established in 1996, the PEP Program served 70 students during the 2025–2026 school year.

“This year’s graduates represent the full promise of PEP’s long-term model of support,” said Maria Shepard Mendez, Executive Director of the PEP Program. “We are proud to celebrate students who are earning college degrees, completing career-focused credentials, and taking their next steps after high school with purpose and determination. Their achievements reflect years of hard work, family support, strong partnerships, and the belief that economic circumstances should not limit a student’s educational possibilities.”

“Their achievements reflect years of hard work, family support, strong partnerships, and the belief that economic circumstances should not limit a student’s educational possibilities.”

Among this year’s post-secondary graduates and credential earners:

Sebastian Arias, a 2024 Summit High School graduate, earned an Associate’s Degree in Health Sciences from Union College of Union County, NJ. He is continuing his education at Kean University.

Nayelly Cubero Campos, a 2025 Summit High School graduate, earned certifications as a Clinical Medical Assistant, EKG and Phlebotomy Technician, and Basic Life Support/CPR Provider from Union College of Union County, NJ.

Melanie Lopez, a 2022 Summit High School graduate, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (New Brunswick).

Dominic Ramirez, a 2022 Summit High School graduate, earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Union College of Union County, NJ. He is continuing his education at West Virginia University.

Salma Rodriguez, a 2021 Summit High School graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Steven Rodriguez, a 2021 Summit High School graduate, earned a Bachelor of Architecture from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

The following PEP students are members of the Summit High School Class of 2026 and will continue their college studies in the Fall:

Dayana Lemus will attend Seton Hall University and plans to major in Nursing.

Kasey Morales will attend Wilkes University and plans to major in Nursing.

Sebastian Obando will attend the Universal Technical Institute to pursue certifications in Automotive and Diesel Technology.

Lindsey Rojas will attend Kean University and plans to major in Architecture.

Ainsley Valerio will attend Lafayette College and plans to pursue a career in Law.

Jazmin Williams will attend Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (New Brunswick) and plans to major in Psychology.

For more information about the PEP Program, please visit www.pepprogramnj.org. The program takes applications in late winter.