Tayteeona Cureton received a $1,000 scholarship from ARJ Civic Association to continue her education at Montclair State University, where she is a senior majoring in sociology with a minor in child advocacy and criminal justice.

After graduation, Tayteeona said she plans to continue at Montclair State pursuing a master's degree in family and child students. She said she would like to become a social worker in Newark in either a school, hospital, or law enforcement setting working with children.

"I want to give back to my community," Tayteeona said. "Growing up in an urban community, I realized that there are a large number of children with an idle mind. They have no sense of direction or guidance."

Tayteeona said she works part time at the Ben Samuels Children Center at Montclair as a student assistant working with the classroom teacher. 

"Working with children has been a passion of mine," she said. "I love helping others out and giving them motivation and confidence to become stronger."

At Montclair State, Tayteeona participates in the Educational Opportunity Fund program, Chi Alpha Epsilon honor society, and the Organization of Students for African Unity.

Tayteeona said receiving the ARJ Civic Association Scholarship is significant because she can now focus on her academics, rather than worrying about her financial needs.