JERSEY CITY, NJ. April 25, 2024 (Biz Republic) — Hudson County Executive Craig Guy joined Congressman Rob Menendez (N.J.-08) at Hudson County Community College (HCCC) announcing a $1.75 million Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant (SCCTG) from the U.S. Department of Labor. This grant will allow HCCC to expand their Gateway to Innovation program to serve over 300 individuals with the goal to meet the skill needs of employers in the County’s financial and technology sectors.
“I’m proud of Congressman Rob Menendez and Senator Cory Booker for securing $1.75 million to help Hudson County Community College train our future financial services and technology workers,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “Hudson County is home to more of New Jersey’s financial services than any other county and our technology industry continues to thrive. The grant will allow the college to expand access to job training and skill development for these growing industries. This award is yet another example of the great work Congressman Rob Menendez and Senator Cory Booker are doing for Hudson County.”
“This grant is an investment in Hudson County’s next generation,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “I am proud to see that Hudson County Community College students will receive the tools and support they need to succeed in these rapidly evolving industries.”
“I’m proud to have worked with the U.S. Department of Labor and Congressman Menendez to secure this investment in Hudson County Community College students. Hudson County’s and the college’s leaders have consistently demonstrated their commitment to empowering our next generation with the skills they need to thrive in the careers of tomorrow. This grant will boost their efforts by connecting more students with meaningful career paths,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
“We have built alliances with our elected officials, local employers, labor unions, local and state workforce development organizations, public agencies, community organizations, students and alumni, and other higher education institutions,” said Dr. Christopher Reber, President of Hudson County Community College. “We are especially grateful to Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Rob Menendez for their role in securing this funding for the College and the economic growth of our community.”
“Training programs should not end in a job search, they should end in a job,” said Acting United States Secretary of Labor, Julie Su. “The Biden-Harris administration is investing in training programs that are demand-driven; Strengthening Community Colleges will help connect people to good jobs and employers to the people they need.”
Among 16 colleges nationwide, Hudson County Community College was selected to receive a portion of $65 million – the only community college chosen from New Jersey to receive a significant grant of $1,750,000. With this funding, HCCC plans to address equity gaps for low-income women and men in Hudson County’s Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities.
The Gateway to Innovation program advances equity and supports sustainable systems changes to ensure students have equal access to career opportunities that pay family-sustaining wages. The program was initiated in 2021 with an $850,000 investment from JPMorgan Chase and is dedicated to enhancing college capacity to teach students sector-based career pathway strategies.
