Hudson County Community College and New Jersey Reentry Corporation Launch Second Summer Training Institute
May 20, 2024
May 20, 2024, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC), in partnership with New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), announced the second year of their Summer Training Institute at a press conference last week in the College’s Culinary Conference Center. HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber and NJRC Executive Director and Chairman James McGreevey welcomed guests including New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) Vice President Catherine Starghill, Esq., and Hudson County Department of Family Services and Reintegration Director Frank Mazza.
The innovative Summer Training Institute opens new doors for 230 court-involved young adults by offering comprehensive job training for industry-recognized credentials leading to careers with family-sustaining wages in the general construction, healthcare, culinary arts and other sectors. Funding for the Summer Training Institute is provided by the NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative and supported by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges and New Jersey Business and Industry Association.
Hudson County Community College (HCCC) announced the launch of the second annual HCCC Summer Training Institute at a press conference. Among those present (from left): HCCC Associate Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin; HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber; New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) participant Harun Simpson; HCCC Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assessment Dr. Heather DeVries; and NJRC Executive Director and Chairman James McGreevey.
Students choosing the construction pathway may earn OSHA 30, Forklift Operator, Scissor-Lift Operator, Lockout/Tagout, Flagger, Scaffolding, Fall Prevention and Drug/Alcohol Awareness, Solar PV Installer, and Green Construction certifications. Those following the healthcare pathway may earn Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, CPR, and Peer Recovery Specialist certifications. Individuals pursuing a culinary arts pathway may earn the indispensable ServSafe certification. Microsoft Basics training will also be available to participants.
A strategic goal of the initiative is to construct pathways from noncredit to credit courses and develop academic proficiency certifications that align with these occupational sectors and may lead to college degrees. As the lead college, HCCC will provide Pharmacy, Phlebotomy, and Computer Basics training as well as Student Success Coaches to guide students on their journeys; and evaluate the training programs to determine credit that can be awarded towards academic certificates and degrees. NJRC will offer students access to a full array of wraparound services, such as enrollment in federal and state benefits programs including Medicaid and SNAP, and medical, dental and behavioral health screenings.
“It is truly an honor to partner with New Jersey Reentry Corporation, Hudson County, New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and New Jersey Business and Industry Association in continuing this very important work,” Dr. Reber said. “Our nationally acclaimed Hudson Scholars student-success program demonstrates how vitally important education, experiential learning, tutoring, and holisitic wellness services are to producing positive outcomes. We look forward to providing many individuals with the opportunity to participate in this life-changing program.”
At the press conference, Bishop Jedah Richardson of A Better Life Ministry led the opening prayer, and NJRC participants Omar Byrd, Joana Catano, Harun Simpson, and Dominique Williams shared their inspirational stories. DJ Wallah of Hot 97, and Mr. Mazza and Hudson County Department of Family Services and Reintegration Community Relations Officer Tamika McReynolds spoke about the importance of summer programs and youth engagement.