News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Toll of Commuting
FIFA World Cup

ApTask helps develop, hire young professionals

Expert recruiter Eddie Bright Jr. shows the ropes to a new generation on everything from strategy to first impressions. And it can be a model for success without college.

News 12 Staff

Feb 12, 2024, 6:54 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A new program is turning a small group from some of the state's toughest areas into young professionals while peeling back the curtain on Generation Z.

With ApTask, expert recruiter Eddie Bright Jr. shows the ropes to a new generation on everything from strategy to first impressions. And it can be a model for success without college.

ApTask helps hire for juggernauts like Bank of America. Only 10 people from Newark West Side High School were picked for the paid internship — none of them enrolled in college.

"We've worked on everything from how to introduce yourself to body language to how to sit up straight," Bright said.

Bright is a baby boomer who's spent years impacting New Jersey's youth. His basketball program produced NBA stars like Karl-Anthony Towns.

"I started looking at trade schools because typically trade schools are much cheaper but then it was like ‘I don't want to do anything with trade schools.’ So, then I was like ‘how do I make money without having to work a 9-5, not having to work at McDonalds?’” said Al-Jalill Harris, of Newark.

Harris says other Generation Z’ers have wrestled with that.

The company is hoping to expand. ApTask says it's looking for sponsors to grow at West Side and other schools.

More Stories

Top Stories

00:21
996517f8-6727-40f4-9aa1-aae134edf965

Authorities find ‘massive trove’ of explosives, prompting evacuations in Morris County

02:21
Screenshot 2026-06-25 155949

WEATHER TO WATCH: Showers overnight. Stormier set-up for Saturday

00:17
Media

Driver killed after fiery 4-truck crash on New Jersey Turnpike

01:59
Screenshot 2026-06-25 180035

Paterson deploys extra foot patrols to protect local businesses

02:06
RELargestSwimLessonPKG_2026-06-25-17-58-19

'World's largest swim lesson' held across New Jersey and the globe, including Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights

00:43
INDICTED court ANCHOR DESK MON copy

Franklin Township police sergeant indicted on official misconduct charge

00:55
WISLA CLUB RAW TN

Garfield venue cancels controversial music festival after concerns over alleged extremist ties

00:29
06-24-26 Paul Gomez Blur

Bergen County man charged with assaulting and endangering three children

AP25083796450423

Haddonfield Mayor calls out 'broflake' who allegedly vandalized Pride flags

00:23
f76c4926-6211-4b61-8a2a-0d000361823b

NJ mayor condemns swastika graffiti at public library as act of antisemitism

carjacking

Scotch Plains man pleads guilty in armed carjacking involving assault rifle in Irvington

Gov state Debt

New Jersey ranks among highest in nation for debt per resident

Police LIghts

NJ psychiatrist admits to trading prescriptions for sex, US Attorney says

sentencing generic

Trenton felon sentenced to 7+ years after fleeing traffic stop and diving into canal

Garbage truck fire

Flames engulf garbage truck on I-287 in Franklin Township

NJ Transit

Commuter Alert: World Cup game in the Meadowlands to bring heavy traffic, modified transit schedules

00:46
BKSCOTUS62526_2026-06-25-12-49-49

Supreme Court allows Trump administration to end legal protections for Haitians, Syrians

scam alert

Hunterdon County Sheriff's Office warns residents about jury duty phone scam

tick

Health officials urge caution as cases of tick-borne 'red meat allergy' persist

00:19
Bus fire

Driver escapes fire on hotel shuttle bus near Newark airport

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices