New Jersey City University and Hudson County Community College have teamed up to allow community college students to smoothly transition to a four-year program and obtain their degree.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This historic announcement for both institutions builds upon NJCU’s nearly century-long commitment to providing a socioeconomically diverse population with access to an excellent education as a catalyst to social mobility. This is a pillar of our commitment to being one of the public anchor institutions in Hudson County and surrounding communities,” NJCU Interim President Andres Acebo said in a statement.
“NJCU recently announced the most significant overhaul of its general education program in decades. Our intentional work alongside our partners at Hudson County Community College will only further the distinction that NJCU is now the most transfer-friendly public university in the State of New Jersey.”
The HCCC|NJCU CONNECT program, announced in June and launching in the new year, will allow students to complete their first two years at HCCC and automatically enroll and culminate their 4-year degree at NJCU in one of at least 15 academic majors.
The initiative also includes wrap-around services that students can receive from NJCU and HCCC while attending both institutions.
For example, students can live in NJCU’s residence halls, attend programs on the NJCU campus, and utilize the university’s vital services, including the Gothic Rack.
This provides all students access to new and gently used professional attire for interviews, career fairs, networking events and the workplace — the Gothic Knight Food Pantry, and the Children’s Learning Center (CLC), which offers drop-in childcare services for students with children—all at a competitive cost.
“We both serve large communities of traditionally underrepresented students. Many students at both institutions are the first in their families to go to college,” HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber added.
“Many of these students are navigating monumental barriers to pursue their education. When they succeed, it is life-changing for the students, their children, their families, and their communities, and the outcomes ripple throughout generations.”
Elected leaders also began voicing their support of the agreement as the week went on.
“Together, NJCU and HCCC are creating a pathway that strengthens the dream of higher education and the social mobility it creates for our community,” said state Senator-elect Angela McKnight (D-31).
“We are committed to supporting students in our county and ensuring their success, and I applaud NJCU and HCCC on this testament to that dedication,” added state Senator-elect Raj Mukherji (D-32).
Hudson County Executive-elect Craig Guy also expressed enthusiasm for the endeavor.
“I am so proud that Hudson County’s students have another opportunity for success with the HCCC|NJCU Connect program. The opportunity to obtain a good education and also come out of the process with the necessary life skills to attain gainful employment is invaluable.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Friday with comments from state Senator-elects Angela McKnight and Raj Mukherji, as well as Hudson County Executive-elect Craig Guy.
