Hudson County Community College

Governor Phil Murphy lauded this program as the blueprint for New Jersey’s future technical training, highlighting its apprenticeship model. Dr. Reber explains,“Eastern Millwork recruits students into our woodworking track, hiring them as employees from day one. These students earn competitive wages and full benefits while pursuing their degree.” The integration of academic schedules and workplace training ensures a seamless learning experience. Students complete their associate degree at HCCC within three years and then transition to Thomas Edison State University for a bachelor’s degree in woodworking, all funded by Eastern Millwork. “The students develop skills that can lead to six-figure salaries and beyond,” Dr. Reber notes. This model fulfills Eastern Millwork’s workforce needs and provides students with valuable career training and opportunities. TRANSFORMING STUDENT SUCCESS: THE HUDSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM Hudson County Community College has innovatively addressed student retention and success through the Hudson Scholars Program, an initiative inspired by the college’s long-standing Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). Dr. Reber highlights the origins and expansion of this initiative. “Our entire college community is focused on getting our students to the finish line – removing barriers and helping students complete credentials that lead to life-changing opportunities,” he states. Pre-pandemic, HCCC partnered with Achieving the Dream, a national organization of high-achieving community colleges that focus on data and best practices to remove barriers, address equity gaps, and help all students achieve their goals. 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06 HUDSON COUNTY COMMUNI TY COLLEGE