Hudson County Community College Receives 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Health Professions Award

“The HEED Health Professions Award process includes a comprehensive and rigorous application with questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both; continued leadership and support for diversity; and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the HCCC School of Nursing and Health Professions in recognition of the College’s focus on recruiting and retaining traditionally underrepresented and first-generation college students. The College was recognized specifically for the following initiatives and outcomes:

• Partnering with organizations that work with underserved, underrepresented, disadvantaged, and minority populations.
• Striving to incorporate culturally responsive concepts throughout the curricula and developing new programs to align with current trends and labor market needs.
• “Hudson Helps Resource Center” that provides essential services focusing on basic needs beyond the classroom including a Care Team, food pantries, nutritional counseling, assistance with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications, Career Closet, emergency financial assistance, Chromebook loaners, social services and mental health counseling, and “Single Stop” benefits screening.
• “Hudson Scholars,” winner of the national 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award and 2021-22 League for Innovation in the Community College’s Innovation of Year Award, that provides proactive advisement, financial stipends, and early academic intervention to ensure a greater number of students facing financial challenges, language barriers, employment concerns, and family responsibilities complete their college education, achieve their goals, and realize their dreams. Since its inception, the number of students served has increased from 800 to more than 3,000.
• Focusing on climate, culture, and community; addressing morale, salaries, and mutually respectful relationships among all employees. 
• Maintaining the College’s diversity, equity and inclusion infrastructure with guidelines for best practices in recruitment, hiring, succession planning, safety, and professional development. Diversity, recruitment and retention are priorities in strategic planning, institutional frameworks, and budget development – from the President and Board of Trustees to employee and student engagement at all levels and in all areas.
• Offering HCCC’s faculty and staff a tuition-reimbursement program that provides access to a wide range of professional development opportunities including workshops, academic and certificate programs, and activities that promote inclusion and belonging. This past year, employees received a collective $500,000 of College funding to support their professional development.

Hudson County Community College’s School of Nursing and Health Professions offers courses in Registered and Practical Nursing, Radiography, Community Healthcare Navigator, Exercise Science, Health Science, Health Services, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Science - Pre-Professional, Paramedic Science, and Personal Fitness Trainer.

For more information about the 2024 HEED Health Professions Award, visit insightintodiversity.com.