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A group of engineering students and recent graduates of New Brunswick Pathway in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) unveiled a project with Jingoli.

As part of their curriculum, the students developed, designed and built an “off-the-grid” thrift store in a standard shipping container under the construction and engineering company’s guidance. Jingoli is one of the school’s industry partners.

Students were tasked with identifying a community issue that could be solved by transforming an empty shipping container into useful space. They identified the need for an affordable thrift store. The students noted that thrifting for adequate and affordable clothing is a community staple, but prices have increased due to the popularity of vintage shopping.

Collaborating with Jingoli and its partners – New Brunswick Development Corp. and IJB Electric – the students developed the design and plans for the store. Then, over the summer and into this school year, recent graduates of P-TECH served as interns with Jingoli and DEVCO to implement the students’ design and learn real-world construction planning skills in the process.

Some features of the container store:

• A self-contained business with clothing racks inside an 8-foot by 8-foot by 20-foot shipping container;
• Six solar panels to charge two lithium-ion phosphate batteries, powering HVAC and electric power for domestic uses;
• P-TECH students will run pop-up thrift shops out of the container for the community;
• Ultimately, the container will be used by New Brunswick Adult Learning Center.

“We are pleased to partner with P-TECH and New Brunswick Public Schools to bring hands-on learning opportunities and experiences to students,” said Joseph Jingoli Jr., CEO of Jingoli. “I am so impressed by the current and former students here today and their work on this project for they are the future of New Brunswick. This transformed shipping container is proof that introducing young people to careers in STEM, STEAM, and construction fields helps them develop the skills for real, meaningful careers.”

“We are so proud of the work our students have done and continue to do,” said Meegan Adames, principal of New Brunswick P-TECH. “This project has allowed the students to more fully understand their own abilities. From conceptualization to development and production, Jingoli has provided our students with invaluable experience and perspective.”

Molding ‘future trailblazers’

The partnership with New Brunswick P-TECH school is one of numerous initiatives under Jingoli’s Competitive Edge program. The effort aims to introduce individuals to careers. Additionally it seeks to identify, train and find meaningful employment for high school students and adults who live in cities and towns where Jingoli operates. So far, it’s provided opportunities in Newark, Atlantic City, Camden and New Brunswick.

“This ongoing partnership with Jingoli and our other industry partners represents a tremendous educational opportunity for participating students,” said Aubrey Johnson, superintendent of New Brunswick Public Schools. “This thrift store exemplifies what our students gain from the P-TECH partnership.”

New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill described the results of the project as remarkable.

“Our aspiring innovators have not just adopted sustainability principles but have clearly woven them into the very essence of their designs,” said Cahill. “As we applaud the triumph of this engineering feat, let’s also recognize the influence this initiative holds in molding the future trailblazers of our city. With the invaluable assistance of Jingoli, these individuals transcend being mere students – they are architects of change, building a foundation for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.”