Students from Jersey City’s Henry Snyder High School paid a visit to Hudson County Community College (HCCC) last week in hopes of getting a first-hand look at higher education.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Community leader Tamika McReynolds of the Hudson County Office of Family Services and Reintegration hosted the event in conjunction with Teen Magazine, the Hudson County Sherriff’s Office, Jersey City School District representatives, and others.
Elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Rob Menendez (D-8), state Senator Angela McKnight (D-31), and Jersey City Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey also attended.
Students met faculty and staff from various academic programs, clubs, and organizations to learn more about what each has to offer. Attendees could apply to HCCC on the spot at the school’s “application station” with the help and guidance of admissions staff.
“We want to give the kids an opportunity, a shot at the title,” noted McReynolds, while DJ Wallah explained, “Our current initiative is to help every graduating senior apply for higher learning, so we’re bringing graduating seniors to the college to show them what’s possible. Getting them to check out colleges can be difficult, so we make it a field trip that combines education and entertainment.”
This wasn’t the only time HCCC opened its doors to local high school students for a celebratory and informative pep rally.
Recently, students from other Jersey City high schools, including Lincoln High School and the Renaissance Institute, visited HCCC for similar events.
Between the three events, hundreds of Hudson County high school seniors have applied to HCCC in what could be a future-altering decision.
“The event was useful for high school students who want to find out more about what they want to do next in life. Coming to Hudson was great; we got to see everything, and it’s a good environment with a lot of energy,” exclaimed Snyder High School senior Roshone Amaker.
Amaker also explained that McReynolds “…is doing a lot of good things for the community, not just for our high school but for multiple high schools, and she is doing it out of the goodness of her own heart.”
He plays baseball for Snyder High School and plans to study business or accounting when he begins college, used the event as an opportunity to apply to HCCC.
“We want to give local high school students a preview of what college is like and show them that they can do this. You can come to a community college right in your own neighborhood like HCCC and get a great College experience,” added HCCC Dean of Enrollment Matt Fessler.
These three pep rallies are recent examples of HCCC opening its doors to give local high school students a taste of life at HCCC, with additional Hudson County high schools participating in the coming weeks.
“Our initiative to welcome local high school students onto our campus is about more than just showcasing what HCCC has to offer; it’s about empowering these students with the belief that their dreams are within reach,” stated Associate Vice President for Continuing Education Workforce Development Lori Margolin.
“Opening doors to these students is what motivates us every day,” noted HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber.
