Paul Robeson High School for Business and Technology

Paul Robeson High School for Business and Technology is a public high school located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, and is named after the renowned African American singer, actor, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. The school was established in 1984 as part of the New York City Department of Education's efforts to provide students with a comprehensive education in business and technology, similar to other institutions such as Baruch College and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as finance, marketing, and information technology, with partnerships with organizations like Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and Google. The school's mission is to provide students with a rigorous academic program, as well as opportunities for internships and mentorship with professionals from companies like IBM, Cisco Systems, and Deloitte.

● History

The school's history dates back to the 1980s, when the New York City Board of Education recognized the need for a high school that would focus on business and technology education, similar to the Thomas A. Edison High School in Queens. The school was named after Paul Robeson, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a graduate of Rutgers University, who was known for his powerful voice and his commitment to social justice, as seen in his involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union. The school's founding was also influenced by the work of educators such as John Dewey and Maria Montessori, who emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and community engagement, as well as the efforts of organizations like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Over the years, the school has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of new facilities and technology, with support from companies like Apple Inc. and Dell.

● Academics

The school offers a range of academic programs, including courses in business, technology, and the arts, with a focus on preparing students for careers in fields such as investment banking and software engineering. Students can choose from a variety of Advanced Placement courses, such as AP Calculus and AP Computer Science, as well as programs in entrepreneurship and digital media, with partnerships with institutions like New York University and the University of California, Berkeley. The school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations focused on business and technology, such as the Future Business Leaders of America and the Technology Student Association, as well as sports teams that compete in the Public Schools Athletic League. The school's academic programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education, with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, as emphasized by educators like Howard Gardner and Daniel Pink.

● Campus

The school's campus is located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a rich history and culture, as seen in the works of authors like James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a computer lab and a business incubator, with support from companies like Facebook and Amazon. The school is also located near several major institutions, including Medgar Evers College and the Brooklyn Museum, as well as companies like JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, with several New York City Subway lines and MTA Bus routes nearby, including the 2 train and the B43 bus.

● Student Life

Students at the school have a range of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and organizations, such as the National Honor Society and the Debate Team, as well as programs like the Model United Nations and the Robotics Club. The school also offers a range of support services, including counseling and academic advising, with partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the YMCA. Students can also participate in internships and mentorship programs with professionals from companies like Ernst & Young and KPMG, as well as institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the New York Stock Exchange. The school's student government, led by the Student Council, plays an active role in planning events and activities, including the annual Prom and the Spirit Week, with support from companies like Target and Walmart.

● Notable Alumni

The school has a number of notable alumni, including graduates who have gone on to attend top colleges and universities, such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University, as well as institutions like the University of Oxford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alumni have also gone on to pursue careers in fields such as finance, law, and medicine, with companies like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Columbia University Medical Center. Some notable alumni include Spike Lee, a renowned film director and producer, as well as Wesley Autrey, a New York City Subway hero, and Shirley Chisholm, a pioneering politician and educator, who was a graduate of Brooklyn College and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The school's alumni network is active and engaged, with many graduates returning to the school to mentor and support current students, as part of programs like the Alumni Association and the Mentorship Program, with support from companies like LinkedIn and AlumniFinder.