Opportunity in Action: The Third Annual New Jersey Community College Opportunity Summit

Meet Our Summit Speakers

Davis Jenkins and Hana Lahr from the Community College Research Center (co-authors of More Essential than Ever: Community College Pathways to Educational and Career Success, 2025) will present: More Essential Than Ever: Community College Pathways to Post-Completion Success. They will share research-based strategies that improve success that community colleges have implemented nationally based on the recommendations of the groundbreaking research that launched Guided Pathways: Redesigning America’s Community Colleges (2015).

Keynote Speakers

Featured

Join us on June 9, 2026 for the 4th Annual New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Summit. Explore how education and industry are working together to power New Jersey’s talent pipeline and expand skills, credentials of value, and career opportunities for students and adult learners across the state.

The National Innovations to Expand Opportunity session on June 5 will explore major national initiatives impacting the evolution of community colleges in response to 21^st century challenges. Participants will hear from national leaders and also engage in table discussions about evidence-based frameworks that can inform actionable strategies to enhance student success and support institutional vibrancy.

Our keynote presentation, More Essential Than Ever: Community College 3.0 and Guided Pathways at 10 Years, will examine the evolution and impact of the Guided Pathways model over the past decade, drawing on national research and practice. Presenters Davis Jenkins and Hana Lahr will highlight evidence-based strategies that have improved student success and strengthened alignment between education and career outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into how community colleges can continue advancing Community College 3.0 to better serve today’s learners and workforce needs.

The Holistic Student Services Convening on June 5 & 6 will highlight effective strategies, partnerships, and promising practices in providing holistic student supports. Attendees will explore innovative approaches, share insights, and collaborate on solutions to enhance student well-being and success.

Building a Future Ready New Jersey: Partnerships that Expand Opportunity will explore how cross-sector partnerships are helping to build a future-ready New Jersey by expanding access to education, workforce training, and career pathways. Panelists will highlight collaborative strategies that connect community colleges, employers, and state initiatives to drive economic mobility and meet evolving industry needs. Attendees will gain insights into scalable models that strengthen opportunity and support student and workforce success statewide .

The New Jersey Innovations and Promising Practices session on June 6 will include Strategy Showcase sessions where participants examine successful strategies, initiatives, and innovations that have improved student outcomes and career readiness across the state. The discussions will highlight promising practices and next steps for strengthening pathways to educational and workforce success.

Agenda

June 4, 2025

u003ch3u003eBreakfast Buffet (7:30 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eOpening Remarks (9:00 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eCatherine Starghill, Esq.,u003c/strongu003e Vice President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Executive Director, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Developmentu003c/spanu003eu003cspan data-ccp-props=u0022{}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eSenator Joseph Cryan,u003c/strongu003e Chairman, NJ Senator Committee on Higher Education u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eChris Emigholzu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003e, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eChief Government Affairs Officeru003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003e, Nu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eew u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eJu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eersu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eeyu003c/spanu003e u003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003eBusineu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003essu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37750070 BCX0u0022u003e and Industry Associationu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW108328015 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW108328015 BCX0u0022u003ePathways in Practice: Student Impact u0026amp; Project Innovationu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e (9:30 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW27296862 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW27296862 BCX0u0022u003eHealth Information Management Systems Societyu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW102187017 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW102187017 BCX0u0022u003eNJ Big Data Alliance – Data Science Degree Programs Alignment and Articulationsu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW178522603 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW178522603 BCX0u0022u003eEssential Learning, General Education, and Career Competencies Collaborativeu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW37685628 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW37685628 BCX0u0022u003eGeographic Information Systems Certificates Developmentu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW37685628 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW109009603 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW109009603 BCX0u0022u003eElectric Vehicle Internship and Faculty Development Pilotu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW100778621 BCX0u0022u003ePathwaysu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW100778621 BCX0u0022u003e Projects Networking (11:00 AM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW187211752 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW187211752 BCX0u0022u003eBuilding the Future Together: A Conversation with NJ Pathways Partners u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e(11:30 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eJohn Harmon,u003c/strongu003e Founder, CEO, and President, African American Chamber of Commerce of NJu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Ashish D Borgaonkar,u003c/strongu003e Assistant Professor, Engineering Education and Director, NCE Grand Challenges Scholars Program, New Jersey Institute of Technologyu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Matthew Hale,u003c/strongu003e Department of Political Science and Public Affairs, Seton Hall University and President, New Jersey Big Data Allianceu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eDana Castro,u003c/strongu003e Senior Director, Heath Insurance Management Systems Society Instituteu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cstrongu003eJoseph DeMarco,u003c/strongu003e Director of Apprenticeship, Laborers International Union of North America – New Jersey Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship Programu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW204992767 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW204992767 BCX0u0022u003eMicro-Pathways, Macro Impact: Reimagining Access, Equity, and Employabilityu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e (Lunch 12:45 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eKeynote Speaker:u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW72561355 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW72561355 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eRachel Kahn, EdD,u003c/strongu003e Senior Director, Community College Growth Engine, Education Design Labu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW72561355 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003ernu003cp class=u0022primaryText-799u0022 title=u0022Michael.macklin@cccs.eduu0022 data-log-name=u0022DisplayNameu0022u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cemu003eKeynote Speaker:u003c/emu003ernMichael Macklin,u003c/strongu003e Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Solutions, Colorado Community College Systemu003c/pu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW23764815 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW23764815 BCX0u0022u003eBridging Business and Education: Building Inclusive Pathways for Economic Growthu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e (2:30 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eKeynote Speaker:rnu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eu003cb data-olk-copy-source=u0022MessageBodyu0022u003eJennifer Thornton, u003c/bu003eSenior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, The Business-Higher Education Forumu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW190960614 BCX0u0022u003ePathwaysu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW190960614 BCX0u0022u003e Projects Networking (3:30 PM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW3476641 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW3476641 BCX0u0022u003eDesigning for Impact: Research Insights at the Nexus of Education and Employment u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e(4:00 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eKeynote Speaker: u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW175601684 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW175601684 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eMichelle Van Noy,u003c/strongu003e Director u0026amp; Associate Research Professor, Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations, Education and Employment Research Center (EERC)u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW175601684 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eClosing Remarks (4:45 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW113879331 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW113879331 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eCatherine Starghill, Esq.,u003c/strongu003e Vice President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Executive Director, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Developmentu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW113879331 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW54731614 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW54731614 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eAaron Fichtner, Ph.D.,u003c/strongu003e President, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW54731614 BCX0u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022SCXW54731614 BCX0u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003cbr class=u0022SCXW54731614 BCX0u0022 /u003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

June 5, 2025

u003ch3u003eBreakfast Buffet (7:00 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eOpening Remarks (8:45 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Aaron Fichtner,u003c/strongu003e President, Nu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eew u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eJu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eerseyu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003e Council of County Collegesu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{}u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Brian Bridges,u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003e Secretary of Higher Education, New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Educationu003c/spanu003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eWho Needs College Anymore? Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won’t Matter (9:15 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eKeynote Speaker:u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW220943683 BCX0u0022u003eKathleen u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW220943683 BCX0u0022u003edeLaski, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW220943683 BCX0u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eFounder u0026amp; Board Chair, Education Design Lab, and Senior Advisor, Harvard Project on the Workforceu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eNetworking Break (10:15 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eBreakouts (10:30 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eSupporting Adult Learnersu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Lisa Dougherty,u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eu003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eSenior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment, Hudson County Community Collegeu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eWork-Integrated Learning and Apprenticeshipsu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eChris Herzog, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003ePrincipal TA Consultant, American Institutes for Researchu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eAmy Beller, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eTA Consultant, American Institutes for Researchu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eMark Genua, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDirector, Solutions Design u0026amp; Delivery, Jobs for the Futureu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDeveloping and Implementing Micro-credentials and Badgesu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Andrew Tomko, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eVice President, Academic Affairs u0026amp; Provost, Bergen Commmunity Collegeu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Rachel Kahn,u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003e Senior Director, Community College Growth Engine, Education Design Labu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Vanessa O’Brien-McMasters,u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003e Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness u0026amp; Chief Strategy Officer, Atlantic Cape Community Collegeu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDeveloping and Sustaining Effective Business Partnershipsu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Elvy Vieira,u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003e Dean of Community, Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Essex County College and West Essex Campusu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eJennifer Thornton, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eSenior Vice President and Chief Program Officer, The Business-Higher Education Forumu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eData Strategies to Advance College and Statewide Prioritiesu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Laura Ulrich, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eSenior Regional Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Leader of the Richmond Fed Survey of Community College Outcomesu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eAdditional Speakers to be Announcedu003c/emu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eExhibitor Break (11:45 AM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eLunch (12:00 PM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cstrongu003ePresidents’ Panel: Community Colleges’ Role in a Changing u003c/strongu003eu003cstrongu003e(u003c/strongu003e12:15 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW47932863 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW47932863 BCX0u0022u003eHolistic Student Services Kickoff u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW47932863 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{u0026quot;335551550u0026quot;:2,u0026quot;335551620u0026quot;:2}u0022u003e(1:45 PM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eCommunity to Opportunity: Meeting Students’ Basic Needs with a Culture of Careu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003ePanelists:u003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAndrea Falzone, Psy.D.,u003c/strongu003e Licensed Psychologist, Camden County Collegeu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eKeith Kirkland, Ed.D.,u003c/strongu003e Dean, Student Affairs, Essex County Collegeu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAriana Calle, MSW, LSW,u003c/strongu003e Associate Director, Hudson Helps, Hudson County Community Collegeu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAlison Noone, Ed.D.,u003c/strongu003e Director, TRIO Scholars, Ocean County Collegeu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eKaren Archambault, Ed.D.,u003c/strongu003e Senior Vice President, Enrollment Management u0026amp; Student Success, Rowan College at Burlington Countyu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eJamie Borger, Director,u003c/strongu003e Student Success Center, Sussex County Community Collegeu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eJacob Farbman, Ed.D.,u003c/strongu003e APR, Executive Director, Economic Mobility, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cstrongu003eModerators:u003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003e Leanne Davis,u003c/strongu003e Managing Researcher, Education Northwestu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDa’Shon Carr,u003c/strongu003e Researcher, Education Northwestu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW123948395 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW123948395 BCX0u0022u003eStrategy u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW123948395 BCX0u0022u003eShowcasesu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW123948395 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{u0026quot;335551550u0026quot;:2,u0026quot;335551620u0026quot;:2}u0022u003e u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu003cstrongu003e1. Strategy Showcase: u003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eUCNJ’s Journey to NJ’s First Finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellenceu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eSpeakers to be Announcedu003c/emu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu003cstrongu003e2. Strategy Showcase: u003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eNew Jersey’s Community Colleges and the Evolving Political and Policy Landscapeu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eMaria Heidkamp,u003c/strongu003e Chief Innovation and Policy Officer, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eAssemblyman Cody Milleru003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cstrongu003e3. Strategy Showcase: u003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eWhere are the Humanities in New Jersey? Possibilities for Future Programming and Partnershipsu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Carin Berkowitz,u003c/strongu003e Executive Director, NJ Council for the Humanitiesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Cara McClintock,u003c/strongu003e Associate Director, Community College Engagement, Princeton Universityu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDr. John Paul Christy,u003c/strongu003e Executive Director, Princeton Humanities Instituteu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Bettina Caluori, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eProfessor, English, Mercer County Community Collegeu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Linda Scherr,u003c/strongu003e Chief Academic Officer, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW56705311 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW56705311 BCX0u0022u003eRoundtable Discussions and Working Sessionsu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022EOP SCXW56705311 BCX0u0022 data-ccp-props=u0022{u0026quot;335551550u0026quot;:2,u0026quot;335551620u0026quot;:2}u0022u003e (3:45 PM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eEngaging Community Partners in Holistic Student Supportsu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eJacob Farbman, Ed.D.,u003c/strongu003e APR, Executive Director, Economic Mobility, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eAdditional Speakers to be Announcedu003c/emu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eMicro-credentialsu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eRachel Kahn, EdD, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eSenior Director, Community College Growth Engine, Education Design Labu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eKathleen deLaski, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eFounder u0026amp; Board Chair, Education Design Lab, and Senior Advisor, Harvard Project on the Workforceu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eRichmond Fed Cohortu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eLaura Ulrich, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eSenior Regional Economist at Federal Reserve Bank of Richmondu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022noneu0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eDr. Aaron Fichtner,u003c/strongu003e President, Nu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eew u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eJu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003eerseyu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW154095153 BCX0u0022u003e Council of County Collegesu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eAlexandra Gusciora,u003c/strongu003e Research Analyst, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eCredentials of Value for Economic Mobility Forum with the Business Higher Edu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eCatherine Starghill, Esq., u003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW237260379 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW237260379 BCX0u0022u003eVice President, New Jersey Council of County Colleges and Executive Director, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Developmentu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eMaria Heidkamp, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eChief Innovation and Policy Officer, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cstrongu003eStephanie Staub, u003c/strongu003eu003c/strongu003eDirector of Workforce Strategy, New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Developmentu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eSpace Available for Discussions with College Teams or Colleaguesu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cstrongu003eNetworking Break (5:00 PM)u003c/strongu003eu003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eu003c/h3u003ernu003ch3u003eAwards Dinner (6:00 PM)u003c/h3u003e

June 6, 2025

u003ch3u003eBreakfast Buffet (7:30 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eLumina’s Stronger Nation Initiative and Credentials of Value for Economic Mobility (9:00 AM)u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eKeynote Speaker:u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eKermit u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eKaleba, u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eStrategy Director, Employer Aligned Programs,u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003ernu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217792369 BCX0u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022t-14 t-normalu0022u003eu003cspan aria-hidden=u0022trueu0022u003eLumina Foundationu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eTrack 1: Holistic Student Services Breakout Sessions u003c/spanu003e(10:30 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eBeyond the Pantry: How Salem Community College’s Pop-Up Farm Stands are Cultivating Student Success u0026amp; Community Connectionsu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eMaura Cavanagh-Dick,u003c/strongu003e Associate Dean, Salem Community County Collegeu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW211630440 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW211630440 BCX0u0022u003eHolistic Student Services 2: u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eEveryone’s So Creative! Reshaping Community College Mental Health u0026amp; Wellness Servicesu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eRuby Aparicio-Pagan,u003c/strongu003e LSW, Director, Behavioral Services, Center for Wellness and Support, Rowan College of South Jersey – Cumberland Campusu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003e Kristen Wilson,u003c/strongu003e DSocSci, Director, Behavioral Services, Center for Wellness and Support, Rowan College of South Jersey – Gloucester Campusu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eTrack 2: Strategy Showcases (10:30 AM) u003c/spanu003eu003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW78131912 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW78131912 BCX0u0022u003eStrategy u003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW78131912 BCX0u0022u003eShowcaseu003c/spanu003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW78131912 BCX0u0022u003e 1: u003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eEssential Learning, General Education, and Career Readiness Collaborative: An NJCCC Pathways Projectu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cspan class=u0022TextRun Highlight SCXW78131912 BCX0u0022 lang=u0022EN-USu0022 xml:lang=u0022EN-USu0022 data-contrast=u0022autou0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022NormalTextRun SCXW78131912 BCX0u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eKaren Bearce,u003c/strongu003e Provost, Raritan Valley Community College, and Pathway Leadu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eAdditional Participants in the Pathwayu003c/spanu003eu003c/emu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eAdditional Sessions to be Announcedu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eExhibitor Break (11:45 AM)u003c/h3u003ernu0026nbsp;rnrnu0026nbsp;rnu003ch3u003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eAchieving the Dream’s Community Vibrancy Framework and Perspectives on Community Colleges in 2025u003c/spanu003e (Lunch 12:00 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cemu003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eKeynote Speaker:rnu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003eu003c/emu003eu003cstrongu003eShara L. Davis,u003c/strongu003e Senior Fellow for Special Projects, Achieving the Dreamrnu003cdiv class=u0022aVla3u0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022BS0OKu0022 aria-expanded=u0022trueu0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022fui-FluentProvider fui-FluentProviderr1mk ___5n94it0 f19n0e5 f3rmtva fgusgyc fk6fouc fkhj508 figsok6 fytdu2eu0022 dir=u0022ltru0022u003ernu003cdiv class=u0022wide-content-hostu0022u003ernu003cdiv id=u0022focusedu0022 class=u0022SlLx9 WWy1F byzS1 WWy1Fu0022 tabindex=u0022-1u0022 aria-label=u0022Email messageu0022u003eu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003ernu003c/divu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003ch3u003eClosing Remarks (1:45 PM)u003c/h3u003ernu003culu003ern tu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003eDr. Aaron Fichtner, u003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003cspan class=u0022OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-noneu0022u003ePresident, New Jersey Council of County Collegesu003c/spanu003eu003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003e

New Jersey Community College Awards & Dinner

June 10, 2026

The New Jersey Community College Awards, organized by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, celebrate excellence and achievement across the state’s 18 Community Colleges. This special event honors individuals and organizations whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in unlocking opportunities and advancing efforts to build a more prosperous New Jersey for all residents of the state.

Learn More

Event Registration

Please use our official Eventbrite registration page to register yourself and any other individuals you are planning on registering. You will be able to add multiple attendees during one session.

In Person
June 9-11, 2026
$425.00

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401
njcommcolleges@njccc.org

Accommodations at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

Note: Room Block is Open Until Sunday May 9, 2026

To reserve a room for the conference in our discounted room block, you’ll need to use this link to book through the Hard Rock’s website.

You can also inquire about a reservation by calling 1-609-449-1000. Ask for the Opportunity and Pathways Summit room block.

Reservations for rooms accessible to guests with disabilities may be made in the same manner.

Directions & Parking

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (Google Map Directions)

The Hard Rock offers a self-park garage for all attendees, the parking rate is updated weekly. We recommend calling the hotel the week of your reservation to confirm the price of parking. The parking fee is to be paid at the time of arrival. The garage is located on Pacific Avenue, stretching from Virginia Avenue to S. Pennsylvania Avenue.

Here is a map of the Hard Rock Atlantic City. The Summit will take place on the 2nd Floor Meeting Level, registration will be in the Seminole Ballroom.

FAQ

Accommodations:

Where do I book a room?

Click Here

Registration for the One-Day NJ Pathways Summit:

If you can’t commit to the full 3-Day conference but want to attend the 1-Day NJ Pathways Summit on June 9, 2026, there’s a separate registration page for the NJ Pathways Summit.

Directions and Parking:

Where do attendees park?

Cancellation/Refunds:

We understand that circumstances may change, and we strive to accommodate attendees to the best of our ability. Please review our refund policy outlined below.

For tickets that were paid through Eventbrite, a refund of the full registration fee will be given for cancellations made by May 4, 2026. To cancel your registration and request a refund, log into Eventbrite, go to tickets, find your order you want refunded, then select “Request a Refund”.

For tickets that were paid through individual or group reservation by your Community College, please submit your cancellation request in writing by May 4, 2026 to njcommunitycolleges@njccc.org.

The following applies for all attendees: badge sharing, splitting and reprints are strictly prohibited. NJCCC regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows. NJCCC is not responsible for any change/cancellation charges assessed by airlines, travel agents, hotels or other vendors.

Payment:

Payment in full is required at the time of registration, with the exception of New Jersey’s Community College attendees. If this applies to you, please reach out to your president’s office prior to registering for further instructions.

Confirmation:

You will receive an email confirmation of your registration from Eventbrite (please add noreply@event.eventbrite.com to your safe senders list). If you have not received a confirmation within 2 business days after registering, please contact njcommunitycolleges@njccc.org.

Consent Clause:

Registration, attendance at and participation in NJCCC events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to the use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities by NJCCC and other third parties, including but not limited to the venue. Registration for this event may include technology that monitors your activities throughout the conference, such as session attendance and booths visited.

Dietary Restrictions:

Please include your dietary restrictions in the registration order form.

Become a Sponsor:

Interested in sponsoring the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Summit?

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jessica Britt at jbritt@njccc.org.

Further Questions:

Please email njcommunitycolleges@njccc.org if you have any further questions about the NJ Community College Opportunity Summit.

Opportunity in Action: The Third Annual New Jersey Community College Opportunity Summit

Thank You for Attending the Second Annual Multi-Day New Jersey Community College Opportunity Summit

June 9-11, 2026

WHO ATTENDS | This is your opportunity to join together to help create a more prosperous and equitable New Jersey:

Meet Our Summit Speakers

Featured