NJ's Community Colleges

09/21/2026

This September, New Jersey’s Community Colleges are coming together to help fight student hunger.

Through the Feed the Future campaign, you can make a direct impact by supporting the food pantry and nutrition-focused programs at the community college of your choice.

Choose your college and donate today:
spotfund.com/teams/njccc

09/17/2026

Aliya Baker knew she wanted to pursue a career in nursing, but the cost of training kept her from pursuing it. She kept looking for an affordable path forward until she found the New Jersey CNA Accelerator Program.

Through a new partnership between Clipboard Health and the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, Aliya and 23 other students are pursuing Certified Nurse Aide credentials with tuition, course materials, and exam fees covered.

The pilot is being carried out at Rowan College of South Jersey, Essex County College, and Mercer County Community College, creating an accessible pathway into a field where New Jersey is projected to face a shortage of approximately 4,000 nursing assistants by 2028.

For Aliya, this is just the beginning. After earning her CNA credential, she plans to work in the field before continuing her education toward becoming a registered nurse.

Read Aliya’s story and more about the partnership on NJ.com:

The Clipboard-funded pilot comes as the state faces a projected shortage of approximately 4,000 nursing assistants.

09/15/2026

Another successful apprenticeship! 🎉 David Cranston, CNC Machine Operator at Ethylene Atlantic, received his U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Machine Operator One Apprenticeship Completion. Joe Pranzatelli, Program Manager at the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, presented the certificate.

Cranston completed 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and online academic Related Technical Training (RTI) through Camden County College. That RTI earned him a 13-credit Academic Certificate in Precision Machining Technology, which directly transfers toward an Associate in Applied Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing.

The apprenticeship was sponsored by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development.

Congratulations, David, on this outstanding achievement! 👏

08/10/2026

07/20/2026

Students took center stage at the NJ Pathways Summit, showcasing how connected education and workforce training pathways are preparing them for future careers.

Students from Bergen Community College presented projects focused on hydroponics, agriculture, food systems, environmental sustainability, data analysis, and community-based research, demonstrating the power of hands-on, experiential learning.

Their presentations highlighted what makes NJ Pathways unique, bringing education, industry, and real-world experience together to prepare the next generation of New Jersey's workforce.

Student success remains at the heart of the NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative.

07/18/2026

Another successful apprenticeship! Marvin Alonzo and Kenneth Gally, industrial maintenance mechanics at Sunny Delight Beverages Co., received their U.S. Department of Labor Journeyperson Apprenticeship Certificates as Industrial Maintenance Mechanics. Joe Pranzatelli, program manager at the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, presented the certificates.

Alonzo and Gally completed their on-the-job training and online academic Related Technical Instruction (RTI) through Camden County College. That RTI earned them an 18-credit Academic Certificate in Industrial Maintenance Technology. All 18 credits are directly applicable toward an Associate in Applied Science in Technical Studies.

The New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development sponsored the apprenticeship.

Congratulations, Marvin and Kenneth!

07/17/2026

Partnership Award
Princeton University Program for Community College Engagement

Congratulations to the Princeton University Program for Community College Engagement, recipient of the 2026 Partnership Award.

Recognized at the New Jersey Community College Awards Dinner during the New Jersey Community College Summit, PCCE has strengthened connections between Princeton University and New Jersey's 18 community colleges through innovative faculty collaborations, expanded academic opportunities, and shared educational resources. Its work demonstrates how collaboration across higher education creates greater opportunities for students and educators alike.

07/17/2026

Partnership Award
Garden State Employment and Training Association (GSETA)

The Garden State Employment and Training Association is the recipient of the 2026 Partnership Award, presented at the New Jersey Community College Awards Dinner during the New Jersey Community College Summit.

For 50 years, GSETA has brought together New Jersey's workforce development leaders to strengthen employment systems, expand access to high-quality training, and share best practices across the state. Its enduring partnership with New Jersey's community colleges continues to prepare students and workers for success in an evolving economy.

Congratulations to the Garden State Employment and Training Association!

07/16/2026

Insightful conversations. Bold ideas. Shared purpose.

The 2026 Opportunity Summit featured an outstanding lineup of national and state thought leaders who challenged us to think differently about student success, workforce preparation, credential attainment, and economic mobility.

From discussions on the Future Ready New Jersey Coalition's 75x2040 credential obtainment goal to presentations on credentials of value, student supports, post-completion success, and the future of community colleges, speakers offered valuable perspectives on building stronger pathways to opportunity.

Thank you to all of our keynote and plenary speakers for helping inspire action and advance the conversation about New Jersey’s future.



Photography by All is Sharp Photography Joseph M. Sharp

07/16/2026

Distinguished Alumnus Award
Matthew Nazzaro | UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is proud to recognize Matthew Nazzaro of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ with the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Honored at the New Jersey Community College Awards Dinner during the New Jersey Community College Summit, Matthew has dedicated his career to serving the Cranford community, first as an EMT and now as Chief of Police. As a member of the UCNJ Board of Governors, he continues to give back to the institution that helped launch his career.