Hudson County Community College and Hudson County Schools of Technology Sign Letter of Intent for Innovative, New Programming

February 10, 2016, Jersey City, NJ – On Wednesday morning, February 3, officials from Hudson County Community College (HCCC) and Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) gathered for the signing of a letter of intent. The new agreement centers upon creating additional dual enrollment/dual credit agreements that will enable HCST students to earn most – if not all – of the credits they need for an associate degree from HCCC while still in high school.

Present at the signing, which took place in the Mary T. Norton Room at Hudson County Community College, were HCCC President Glen Gabert, Ph.D., HCST Superintendent Frank J. Gargiulo, HCST Board President Craig Guy, and HCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Friedman, Ph.D.

Under the terms of the new agreement, beginning in Fall 2016, Hudson County Community College will offer students at Hudson County Schools of Technology the opportunity to take college-level courses as early as their freshman year of high school. Going forward, HCST students will be able to complete full, associate degree programs while earning their high school diplomas at HCST; these associate degree career programs will include Environmental Studies, Engineering Technology, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, Computer Science, Digital Art and Design, Theatre Arts, Health Services, Biology, Nursing and more.

Dr. Gabert said this is the most comprehensive program Hudson County Community College presently has in place with a high school, and that these offerings dovetail with diploma programs Hudson County Schools of Technology already has in position.

“This is an innovative undertaking and we are happy to once again partner with Hudson County Schools of Technology,” Dr. Gabert stated.

Mr. Gargiulo said: “The opportunities this agreement creates for Hudson County students is tremendous. Imagine the savings – in time and money – this will provide for those who are going to go on pursue a bachelor’s degree or to begin a career.”

Hudson County Community College has articulation agreements with several four-year colleges and universities, some of which offer reduced-cost tuition to HCCC graduates.

Dr. Friedman explained that HCST students enrolled in HCCC courses will be held to the same standards required of all other HCCC students.

“Hudson County Community College is a great partner for Hudson County Schools of Technology,” Mr. Guy said, noting that the two educational institutions have worked together for several years, and that this letter of intent strengthens the institutions’ academic and support partnership.