Sussex County Community College, Sussex Tech strengthen pathways from high school to careers
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College and Sussex County Technical School are strengthening academic and career pathways aimed at helping students transition from high school to college and eventually into the workforce.
As the 2026-27 academic year begins, the two Sussex County institutions are focusing on aligning curriculum, expanding career opportunities and creating a more seamless path for Sussex Tech students who want to continue their education at SCCC.
Over the past year, the schools have worked to better align curriculum between corresponding career and technical education programs. The effort is intended to allow students to build on skills developed at Sussex Tech rather than repeat coursework when they enter college.
SCCC’s career and technical education programs have industry advisory boards made up of employers and professionals who provide input on curriculum, equipment, technology, workforce needs, industry certifications and student skills. That feedback is also being used to identify opportunities to better align Sussex Tech programs with those offered at SCCC.
“Students should not have to start over when they move from high school into college,” said Dr. Cory Homer, President of SCCC. “Our goal is to build clear, intentional pathways that allow students to take the knowledge and technical skills they develop at Sussex Tech and continue building upon them at Sussex County Community College. The work we are doing with Sussex Tech, combined with the expertise of our industry advisory boards, Chamber of Commerce, and Workforce Development Board allows us to ensure our programs are aligned with what employers need and that students are prepared for the next step.”
The partnership comes as employers in Sussex County and the surrounding region seek workers in fields including health care, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, public safety, technology and construction, according to the schools.
By coordinating curriculum and identifying opportunities for students to earn college credit, credentials or advanced standing, the institutions say students could save time and money while progressing toward college degrees and careers.
“Sussex County Technical School and Sussex County Community College share a common mission: preparing students for successful careers and giving them opportunities to continue their education,” said Christopher Carruba, Interim Superintendent at Sussex Tech. “The work we have done over the past year is helping us create stronger connections between our programs and ensuring that students have opportunities available to them after graduation. These pathways give our students additional options while responding directly to the needs of local employers.”
SCCC is preparing for the fall 2026 semester with applications currently 10% higher than at the same point last year, according to the college. The school also completed capital improvement projects over the summer aimed at supporting academic programs and improving the student experience.
SCCC has continued expanding its career-focused programs and partnerships with local employers, while Sussex Tech provides hands-on career and technical education intended to prepare students for employment, additional education or both.
The institutions said their goal is to develop a system in which students can begin learning career skills in high school, continue into college-level education and training and enter the workforce with credentials and skills sought by employers.
“Sussex County has a tremendous opportunity to build a stronger education-to-career pipeline for our students,” Homer said. “When our high schools, community college, industry partners and employers work together, students benefit. This is about creating opportunities right here in Sussex County and making sure our students can see a pathway from the classroom to a rewarding career.”
Both schools said they plan to continue expanding their partnership and developing additional education and career pathways for Sussex County students.
