NJ's Community Colleges

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.

07/16/2026

Congratulations to the 10 graduates of Bergen Community College's 260-hour CNC Manufacturing Boot Camp! The hands-on training program prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing through instruction in CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, CNC 3D printing, G-code programming, GD&T, machining processes, blueprint reading, robotics integration, and more. Graduates also earned their OSHA 10-hour card.

The program was taught by industry-experienced instructor Cristhian Galeano. Also in attendance were Tamara Vaughan, Manager of Business Development at Bergen Community College, and Joe Pranzatelli, Program Manager at the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.

Check out the samples of student projects created on CNC machinery by graduates Jerome Creary and Damian Soltys.

Congratulations All!

07/15/2026

Distinguished Alumna Award
Julie Diaz | Middlesex College

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges proudly recognizes Julie Diaz of Middlesex College with the 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award.

Honored at the New Jersey Community College Awards Dinner during the New Jersey Community College Summit, Julie has dedicated her career to advancing workforce opportunity and economic mobility. As Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, she oversees initiatives that strengthen New Jersey's workforce while advocating for workers, employers, and communities across the state.

07/15/2026

Distinguished Alumna Award
Senator Renee C. Burgess | Essex County College

Congratulations to Senator Renee C. Burgess, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award, presented at the New Jersey Community College Awards Dinner during the New Jersey Community College Summit.

A graduate of Essex County College, Senator Burgess has built a career defined by public service and civic leadership. From serving on the Irvington School Board and Municipal Council to representing New Jersey's 28th Legislative District in the State Senate, she has remained a strong advocate for education and the communities she serves.