Sussex County Community College receives $337,000 grant to expand career training programs
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College will receive more than $337,000 in grant funding to expand career and technical education programs, provide specialized equipment and help students earn professional certifications in high-demand fields.
The funding, awarded through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education grant, will support hands-on instruction, industry-recognized credentials and financial assistance for eligible students pursuing technical careers.
The grant will benefit programs in healthcare, public safety, electrical linework, advanced manufacturing, digital media, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), culinary arts and other technical fields. Students will gain access to updated equipment and training designed to prepare them for employment or continued education.
“Career and technical education is essential to preparing our students for meaningful employment and supporting the economic vitality of Sussex County,” said Dr. Cory Homer, President of Sussex County Community College. “This investment allows us to strengthen our programs, provide students with credentials, and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent them from pursuing their education. By connecting classroom instruction with workforce needs, we are helping students build successful futures while meeting the needs of local employers.”
The funding will help cover certification exams, specialized training and professional development opportunities across several programs.
Healthcare students will have access to phlebotomy and electrocardiogram certification exams through the National Healthcareer Association, as well as the American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Medical Assistant examination. Funding will also support first aid, CPR and Basic Life Support certifications and other professional development opportunities.
Students in electrical linework and public safety programs will benefit from CPR and Basic Life Support certifications, flagger certification training and replacement climbing poles for practical instruction in the college’s Electrical Lineworker program.
The grant will also support OSHA 30-hour certification training for students preparing for careers requiring advanced workplace safety knowledge. Culinary arts and fitness students will have access to professional membership and certification opportunities through the American Culinary Federation and the American College of Sports Medicine.
In addition to certification opportunities, the college plans to purchase specialized equipment to expand hands-on learning across its technical and creative programs.
Planned purchases include a medical simulation manikin, residential HVAC training systems, virtual reality headsets, a 3D printer and scanner, professional studio camera equipment and specialized tools and materials.
The equipment will provide students with additional opportunities to practice classroom skills and gain experience using technology relevant to their chosen fields.
The grant will also provide financial assistance to eligible low-income students enrolled in career and technical education programs. Support may include help paying for courses, textbooks and required supplies, which the college identified as potential barriers to completing an education.
“The cost of a certification exam, a textbook, or required supplies can be a real obstacle for a student,” said Jason Fruge, Dean of Technical Occupations. “This grant helps us address those needs while giving students more opportunities to practice their skills and prepare for the careers they want to pursue.”
A portion of the funding will also support the coordination and management of the grant and its associated programs.
The Carl D. Perkins grant supports improvements in career and technical education, including strengthening connections between classroom instruction and career opportunities. At Sussex County Community College, the funding will help students gain practical experience, earn professional credentials and prepare for employment while supporting regional workforce needs.
For more information about career and technical education programs at Sussex County Community College, visit www.sussex.edu/academics.
