Camden County College and Stockton University have formed a unique partnership to create the first esports degree pathway program in the State. Through this new agreement, Camden County College students who receive their Associate in Applied Science in Esports Production degree will be able to seamlessly transfer into Stockton’s B.S. Esports Management program.
“This partnership highlights both Camden County College’s and Stockton’s initiative to be at the forefront of new technology and to prepare students for new and emerging career opportunities — some of which didn’t even exist just a short time ago,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College during the articulation agreement signing on November 1 at Stockton’s Galloway campus. “We are proud to offer this opportunity to students who have found their passion in the fast-growing esports industry.”
“This program is a testament to our shared vision of providing high quality education and opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals,” said Stockton President, Dr. Joe Bertolino. “We recognize the potential of esports as a growing global phenomenon and the need for qualified professionals to drive its continued success.”
This is not a program “that just produces kids who play video games,” said Dr. Sarah Iepson, CCC’s Dean of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.
“This is a program that produces critical thinkers and students who have really powerful skills of analysis and thought, as well as these great skills in the world of business and marketing,” Iepson said. “It’s just a really phenomenal opportunity for our students.”
One of those potential students is Shane Costello who enrolled in CCC’s esports degree program after taking a break from school during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said playing esports at home allowed him to meet new people and push himself out of his comfort zone.
“When the world shut down, esports opened a new world to me,” the Somerdale resident said. “I started to play games and get involved in the community while playing at home. I’ve made friends all over the world and learned so much about their cultures and how they are different from my own.”
Costello said he’s primarily interested in using his associate degree to produce esports events, which is the focus of CCC’s program, along with their state-of-the-art Cougar Esports Arena — a dedicated competition space in Cherry Hill with broadcast facilities built directly into the facility.
Costello said he wants to transfer to a four-year institution, and he’s aware of the success of Stockton’s Rocket League team, which happens to be his favorite game. The Ospreys finished second in the College Rocket League World Championship Tournament in 2022 and returned this spring to compete.
“I chose esports as a career path because of how it brings together so many people of different cultures and backgrounds,” Costello said. “I’ve watched Stockton play the last two years.”
Both institutions are hopeful that this agreement will create more esports-related experiences for students, including camps and tournaments, and explore more regional and national partnerships, said David Bruno, CCC’s Associate Dean of Educational Programming and External Relations. “We look forward to working with Stockton University, one of our higher education pathways partners, to make South Jersey a regional and national hub for esports collegiate activities.”
NJ’s Pay it Forward Program for HVAC & Welding at CCC
Governor Phil Murphy, the New Jersey CEO Council, and Social Finance launched the New Jersey Pay It Forward Program – a new and innovative workforce development program that furthers the Governor’s ongoing commitment to helping residents obtain quality postsecondary education and training to advance their careers, as outlined in the New Jersey Higher Education State Plan and Jobs NJ.
The Pay It Forward Program, which is the first of its kind in the nation, will help build a robust and talented workforce while supporting economic growth in the state. Participants in the program will receive zero-interest, no-fee loans at no upfront cost, as well as non-repayable living stipends and wraparound supports, to allow them to affordably prepare for good-paying, career-track jobs in the health care, information technology (IT), and clean energy sectors.
After a thorough due diligence process, the New Jersey Pay It Forward Program selected training providers with high-quality, industry-recognized training programs and a track record of strong employment outcomes, employer relationships, and experience serving learners from diverse backgrounds.
The loans will enable participants to enroll in credential, certificate, and degree programs at one of three inaugural training providers: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Welding at Camden County College, Registered Nursing at Hudson County Community College, and Cybersecurity at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Loan terms are designed to be more borrower-friendly than even federal student loans. Camden County College’s classes take place at Camden County Technical School’s Sicklerville Campus or Pennsauken Campus. Both programs, which meet in-person on weekday evenings, are nine-month, part-time courses with strong completion and job placement outcomes.
“Camden County College is proud to join with the Murphy Administration, and the other institutions in support of the Pay it Forward Program, to offer specialized training that will lead to gainful employment for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College. “Our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning as well as our Welding courses at CCC are taught by highly qualified instructors and can be completed in as few as nine months. The Pay it Forward program is consistent with our commitment to providing affordable pathways for student success.”
All loan payments will be recycled back into the fund to ‘pay it forward’ for subsequent students’ training costs. The program aims to help participants find jobs while also helping employers fill in-demand positions in high-growth sectors to promote economic growth in New Jersey.
“With today’s launch of Pay It Forward, New Jersey is the first state in the nation to model this innovative approach that will help residents obtain family-sustaining jobs and then pay their success forward by supporting future cohorts of students,” said Governor Murphy. “This initiative is another way in which my Administration is working to give more residents access to high-quality education and training that will lead to good-paying jobs and successful careers. Investing in our residents will not only give them the opportunity to create a better life for themselves and their families, but will also help meet employers’ needs and promote economic development throughout the state.”
Participants who find jobs earning above a specific income threshold will repay the cost of their tuition over time. Any loan balance remaining after five years will be forgiven for borrowers in good standing. To help them succeed throughout the program, participants will also receive living stipends and free wraparound supports, including access to an emergency aid fund and mental health counseling services. Under the program, students will not have to repay the living stipends or wraparound supports. The loans are intended to be a last-dollar option, allowing students to maximize the free resources available to them to minimize the amount they need to repay.
Members of the New Jersey CEO Council, a coalition of CEOs from some of the state’s largest and most widely recognized companies, provided corporate contributions of approximately $5 million to the Pay It Forward Program. The State added to this commitment with appropriations of $5 million in Fiscal Year 2022 and $2.5 million in Fiscal Year 2023. The CEO Council is made up of the CEOs of BD, Campbell Soup Company, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co., Prudential Financial, PSEG, RWJBarnabas Health, and Verizon.
For more information on the New Jersey Pay It Forward Program, please visit: njpayitforward.org
Successful Donation Drive
The Educational Opportunity Fund Program at Camden County College would like to thank everyone that helped make their most recent donation drive a success. More than 100 items were collected for the Camden County Women’s Center to mark Women’s History Month this March. We can always count on the Camden County College community to support and give back to those in greatest need.
The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) provides support services and financial assistance to students whose motivation and potential to succeed in college can’t be stopped by the challenges they may face. The EOF community fosters academic achievement, personal growth and leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Learn more about the Educational Opportunity Fund at Camden County College.
Camden County College and Wilmington University offer an affordable online path to a bachelor’s degree
Camden County College and Wilmington University have formed a new partnership with guaranteed transfer and dual admissions for CCC students who intend to complete an associate degree and enroll in select online WilmU bachelor degree programs. The Smart Transfer Enrollment Program (STEP Path) offers students one of the most affordable online paths to a bachelor’s degree in the region.
“Wilmington University is a leader in online learning, and we are proud to partner with them to offer students a seamless and fully online pathway from a CCC associate degree to multiple bachelor degree options,” said Camden County College President Donald A. Borden. “Wilmington University is recognized for its affordability, which combined with CCC’s low tuition costs, allows students to reach their academic goals without incurring the massive debt associated with higher education.”
New and currently enrolled CCC students may enter the dual admissions program with WilmU at any time. Qualified CCC associate degree graduates are eligible for the STEP Path Scholarship providing a 25% tuition reduction toward their WilmU bachelor’s degree. Students receive personalized attention and support, and will be provided with privileges and access to facilities at both institutions.
“We look forward to offering Camden County College graduates the career-oriented degree programs that can help them succeed in today’s diverse and global workforce,” said Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon. “We consider it a privilege to welcome them to our University family and aspire to build on the meaningful experiences they’ve already had at CCC.”
Wilmington University’s STEP Path provides CCC students seamless online associate-to-bachelor-degree pathways for the following WilmU programs: Behavioral Science, Business Analytics, Business Management, Computer and Network Security (Cybersecurity), Computer Science, Finance, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, Marketing, and Organizational Leadership.
Online Partnership Benefits:
- Guaranteed admissions to WilmU
- WilmU Application fee waiver
- Access to a CCC and WilmU advisor on the Blackwood and Camden City campuses
- Program-to-program, course-by-course maps from a CCC associate degree through an eligible WilmU bachelor degree
- CCC associate degree graduates that meet the requirements are eligible for the WilmU STEP Path Scholarship, reducing tuition by 25% for those credits required to complete an eligible bachelor degree
- Access to obtain identification badges from both CCC and WilmU
- Access to campus facilities (library, athletics, events, etc.) available to a fully-matriculated student with use of an Identification Badge while enrolled at either institution
- Opportunity to complete select graduate courses as part of an undergraduate degree at the undergraduate STEP Path Scholarship per-credit tuition
To view the virtual partnership signing ceremony, visit:
https://livestream.com/accounts/25094258/events/9784877
To learn more about Wilmington University’s STEP Path for CCC students, visit: www.camdencc.edu/WilmU
For more information about Wilmington University’s online degrees, certificates, and concentrations, visit: www.wilmu.edu/academics/index.aspx
Fall 2021 semester registration open now
Camden County College President Donald A. Borden announced that a full schedule of in-person* and online courses will be offered for the fall 2021 semester. This includes for-credit lecture, workforce development, and noncredit courses.
As an added bonus for students, CCC is offering a $5.00 per credit reduction in tuition for the fall 2021 semester.
“We are ready for fall and are excited to welcome you back in-person* following our Return to Campus health and safety protocols,” Borden said. “We’ve also added additional online course sections for the fall semester – the choice is yours.”
Be ready for what’s next with the largest selection of degree and certificate programs, one of the lowest tuitions in the region, and the most available transfer options.
Register today for the best selection of classes at www.camdencc.edu/fall
*Delivery of in-person courses subject to change based on direction from the NJ Governor’s office.
Free Tuition Program Signed into Law
The Community College Opportunity Grant program provides a last-dollar scholarship to attend a Community College for individuals in households earning $65,000 adjusted gross income or less. The program was first established in the state’s FY 2019 budget and assisted more than 18,000 students last year, including recent high school graduates and working adults. These students enrolled in a Community College and embarked on a pathway toward earning college degrees and credentials. This program expands economic opportunity while helping New Jersey build a productive and innovative workforce that enables economic growth and recovery.
“Camden County College thanks Governor Murphy for his leadership in making a community college education more accessible for New Jersey residents,” said President Donald A. Borden. “This program eliminates the financial barriers that restrict people from getting the post-secondary education they need to be successful in their careers and lives.”
New Jersey’s 18 Community Colleges, as the only educational institutions with statewide reach, provide essential opportunities to more than 300,000 New Jersey residents each year. Over 200,000 students – more than half of all undergraduate students in all public colleges and universities in the state – are enrolled in credit and degree programs at New Jersey’s Community Colleges. Equity and access priorities are advanced everyday with 50% of all students enrolled in New Jersey’s Community Colleges being nonwhite.
The Community College Opportunity Grant program is an important investment in students and in the state’s economic future. This tuition financial aid program supports the most vulnerable residents for whom a college education is unaffordable. This law puts the Community College Opportunity Grant program on par with other highly respected, need- and merit-based college support programs such as TAG and NJ Stars. As New Jersey’s residents face the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community College Opportunity Grant serves as a pathway for the state’s residents to attain the education needed to move forward and succeed.
Here are the stories of two of those students:
Morgan McGrath
At 27 years old Morgan McGrath, completed her first college semester at Camden County College as a pre-nursing major in spring 2020, after a five-year gap in her education. The CCOG grant made it possible for Morgan to enroll in college. When she found out about the grant, Morgan says it was a huge relief knowing that she would have a way to pay for college and that she was closer to reaching her educational goals. She’s now completed three semesters at CCC and, although it’s been a challenging year with new obstacles, she says she’s so excited to have this opportunity to continue her education.
Luke Ottinger
Luke Ottinger transferred to Camden County College from another community college in 2018 to complete the Our Lady of Lourdes Nursing program. Luke became eligible for CCOG in the Fall of 2020. He chose an accelerated program despite the added difficulty because of extreme financial hardship. The CCOG grant made it possible for Luke to achieve his dreams. Luke has taken and passed his licensing exam and is looking for work as a Registered Nurse.
For more information, visit https://www.camdencc.edu/admissions-financial-aid/financial-aid/paying-for-college/community-college-opportunity-grant-ccog/
Virtual instruction starting March 30
March 12, 2020 – In order to ensure the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, along with the larger community we serve, Camden County College will temporarily move classes to remote instruction until further notice.
Classes will be suspended at 2pm on Saturday, March 14 for student Spring Break, which has been extended through March 29 to facilitate the transition to virtual instruction. When classes resume on Monday, March 30, students will attend classes remotely.
“Camden County College will continue to provide essential student services including registration, computer labs, and tutoring,” said Don Borden, President of Camden County College. “The College has been preparing for the impact of the COVID-19 for several weeks, and will use the extended break to finalize our increased webinar and distance learning capabilities to meet the needs of the College community.”
Students will be notified how to access their classes by their instructors. Accommodations will be made for students without access to a computer or the internet.
Utilizing remote instruction for classes allows the College to balance the need for continuation of essential services with the health of the College community. The move also follows guidelines established for social distancing by decreasing the population on our campuses and instructional locations.
Camden County College encourages students, faculty, and staff to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas with high concentrations of COVID-19 reports, and to continue healthy best practices such as handwashing and social distancing. All College-related travel has been canceled.
Riletta Twyne Cream Learning Theater dedicated in Camden
(Camden, NJ) – Camden County College named the learning theater in the Camden Conference Center in memory of Freeholder and legendary educator Riletta Twyne Cream.
“I had the privilege to serve on the Freeholder Board with Riletta Cream and have firsthand knowledge of the passion and dedication she put into everything she did,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Edward T. McDonnell, liaison to Camden County College. “Whether it be improving educational opportunities as an educator, or improving county facilities in her role as freeholder, Riletta Cream had a strong and lasting impact on Camden County and its residents.”
A native of Camden City, Riletta Twyne Cream devoted her time, talents and energy to improving education in the city working as a teacher, supervisor and elementary school principal before serving as the principal of Camden High School from 1972 to 1987.
She continued to champion Camden’s students after her retirement from education by establishing the Riletta Cream Scholarship Fund in 1989. The scholarship supported the higher education goals of students from Camden, Woodrow Wilson, Brimm Medical Arts and Creative Arts High Schools.
In 1994, she was appointed to the Camden County Board of Freeholders, a position she held for five consecutive three-year terms. She served as a liaison to the Department of Buildings and Operations as well as the Department of Education.
Upon her retirement from the Freeholder Board in 2011, she donated the remaining monies of the scholarship fund, totaling more than $104,000, to the Camden County College Foundation to benefit students throughout Camden County. The established endowment ensures that the Riletta Cream Scholarship Fund will continue in perpetuity.
“To acknowledge the contributions of this champion of education, legendary principal and dedicated public servant, Camden County College is proud to honor her legacy with the naming of the Riletta Twyne Cream Learning Theater,” said Camden County College President Donald A. Borden. “Since 2011, the Riletta Cream Scholarship Fund has provided scholarships to 32 Camden County College students from across the county. Her gift will continue to provide educational opportunities for Camden County College students for years to come.”
At her passing, Freeholder Cream left a bequest to the Camden County College Foundation, totaling more than $97,000, to support the Foundation’s efforts to bring affordable and accessible education to all students in Camden County.
The dedication also served as the official launch of the Camden County College Foundation’s Bricks to Buildings fundraising campaign. From placing an engraved brick on campus to naming a building, a sponsor can leave a lasting legacy and provide for students.
The 1800-square-foot Riletta Twyne Cream Learning Theater contains 175 seats and can be used for lectures, graduation ceremonies and special events at the college. It is also available for private event rentals. For more information, please visit www.camdencc.edu
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Vet Tech Students Career Trek
In October, two veterinary technology classes participated in a Career Trek to Mount Laurel Animal Hospital where they received a tour of the facility and gained valuable insight from industry professionals. Students were also introduced to specialty areas in the field of animal medicine such as working in cardiology, oncology, surgery, anesthesia, physical therapy, radiology, and emergency services. After the students had an opportunity to veterinary procedures, they wrapped up their day visiting and feeding the hospitals large farm animals.
Career Treks are intended to support the Guided Pathways framework by providing an opportunity for career exploration through an off-campus experience. By taking part in these activities, students are encouraged to remain on their academic pathway.
Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing Summer 2019 Dean’s List
Dr. Shirley Richardson, Dean, and Dr. Carol Campbell, Associate Dean, of Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing are pleased to present the Summer 2019 Dean’s List students. Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing students are awarded the Dean’s List when achieving a GPA of 3.3 or greater in a semester.
The Summer 2019 Dean’s List students are:
- Mikhaela Burrows
- Dilayla Ibrahim
- Manette Meacham
- Rebecca Simmons
- Lydia Oyawole
- Diana Puglia
- Thomas Caspellan
- Collin Ruiz
- Christopher Stulz
- Danielle D’Anna
- Ashley Ciarrocchi
Congratulations!