Bridging the Gap: How New Jersey Community Colleges and Universities Collaborate with High Schools to Advance Student Success

In recent decades, the collaboration between New Jersey's high schools, community colleges, and universities has significantly expanded, aiming to improve college readiness and access for all students. Through structured dual enrollment programs, college transition initiatives, and early college high school models, these partnerships help students gain early exposure to postsecondary coursework, reduce college costs, and build confidence in their academic abilities. These programs have grown considerably since the late 1990s and continue to evolve in both scale and impact.

One of the earliest examples of such collaboration in New Jersey began in 1999 with the founding of Liberty High School in Jersey City. Established through a partnership between the Jersey City Board of Education and Hudson County Community College, Liberty High School was designed as a “middle college” program. Students had the opportunity to earn up to 24 college credits during high school, blending secondary and postsecondary learning to foster a college-going culture (Liberty High School, 2024).

Since then, dual enrollment programs have become a widespread mechanism across New Jersey. For example, Essex County College (ECC) officially launched its structured Dual Enrollment Program in 2017, beginning with 22 juniors from Newark East Side High School. The program aimed to help these students earn an Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts by the time they graduated from high school. By June 2019, 17 of those students had successfully completed both their high school diploma and associate degree, demonstrating the program’s early success (Essex County College, 2024).

Similarly, Brookdale Community College offers a dual enrollment program that allows high school students to complete up to 12 college credits during their senior year. These courses are taught either on Brookdale’s campus or in the high school setting by qualified instructors, ensuring students experience rigorous academic standards while still in high school (Brookdale Community College, 2024). At County College of Morris, students can enroll in a variety of college-level courses designed to prepare them for both academic and professional pathways (County College of Morris, 2024).

Universities have also expanded their offerings. Stevens Institute of Technology developed a Dual Enrollment Program aimed at providing high school students across New Jersey with a competitive advantage through advanced STEM coursework and mentorship (Stevens Institute of Technology, 2024). William Paterson University and Fairleigh Dickinson University offer similar programs that allow high school juniors and seniors to take credit-bearing university courses—either online or on campus—thereby easing their transition into four-year college programs (Fairleigh Dickinson University, 2024; William Paterson University, 2024).

These dual enrollment programs are part of a larger, statewide effort supported by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). In 2022, NJDOE released a comprehensive Dual Enrollment Study Commission Report that advocated for the expansion of high-quality dual enrollment programs to increase access and equity. The report emphasized the need to provide underrepresented students, including students of color and those from low-income communities, with meaningful opportunities to earn college credit during high school (New Jersey Department of Education, 2022).

Moreover, research supports the positive outcomes of dual enrollment programs. A study conducted by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) found that students who participated in dual enrollment were significantly more likely to enroll in college immediately after high school and persist through degree completion compared to their peers who did not participate in such programs (New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, 2023). These findings align with national trends indicating that dual enrollment boosts college-going rates and reduces the need for remedial coursework (An, 2013).

The dual enrollment movement in New Jersey has also become more inclusive and strategic over time. Programs are now targeting broader student populations, offering courses in a wide range of disciplines including business, engineering, education, and healthcare. The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) continues to support these initiatives by promoting policies and resources that encourage seamless transitions from high school to college (New Jersey Council of County Colleges, 2024).

In conclusion, New Jersey has made significant progress in advancing student success through dual enrollment and collaborative educational pathways. From Liberty High School’s early beginnings in 1999 to the wide-ranging programs offered by community colleges and universities today, these partnerships demonstrate a commitment to academic equity, college readiness, and long-term student achievement. Continued investment in these initiatives will be crucial in closing opportunity gaps and ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive in higher education.

References 

An, B. P. (2013). The impact of dual enrollment on college degree attainment: Do low-SES students benefit? Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 35(1), 57–75. https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373712461933

Brookdale Community College. (2024). Dual enrollment for high school students. https://www.brookdalecc.edu/admissions/getting-started/dual-enrollment-for-high-school-students/

County College of Morris. (2024). High school dual enrollment programs. https://www.ccm.edu/admissions/high-school-dual-enrollment/

Essex County College. (2024). Dual enrollment program. https://catalog.essex.edu/community-continuing-education-workforce-development/high-school-dual-enrollment/

Fairleigh Dickinson University. (2024). Early college dual enrollment program. https://www.fdu.edu/lifelong-learning-at-fdu/high-school-programs/dual-enrollment/

Liberty High School. (2024). Overview. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_High_School_(New_Jersey)

New Jersey Council of County Colleges. (2024). Putting all high school students on a path to postsecondary success. https://www.njcommunitycolleges.org

New Jersey Department of Education. (2022). Dual enrollment study commission report. https://www.nj.gov/education/cte/dualenrollment/docs/DualEnrollmentStudyCommissionReport2022.pdf

New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. (2023). Review of dual enrollment participation and outcomes in New Jersey. https://njsds.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/Review_of_Dual_Enrollment_Participation_and_Outcomes_in_New_Jersey.pdf

Stevens Institute of Technology. (2024). Dual enrollment program for New Jersey high school students. https://www.stevens.edu/dual-enrollment-program-for-new-jersey-high-school-students

William Paterson University. (2024). Dual enrollment program. https://www.wpunj.edu/dualenrollment/index.html

Advancing Access and Success: How New Jersey Institutions Support First-Generation College Students

In New Jersey, first-generation college students—those whose parents did not attain a four-year college degree—represent a significant portion of the undergraduate population. As institutions of higher education seek to improve college access, retention, and completion for historically underserved populations, colleges and universities across the state have developed targeted programs and support systems designed to meet the needs of these students. These initiatives not only address academic preparedness and financial barriers but also create inclusive environments that validate and empower students’ identities and lived experiences. As a result, first-generation students in New Jersey are making substantial progress toward degree attainment and long-term professional goals.

First-generation students often face unique challenges that differ from their continuing-generation peers, including limited knowledge about navigating higher education systems, financial constraints, and a lack of familial or peer role models in college (Engle & Tinto, 2008). In response to these barriers, institutions such as Ramapo College, Montclair State University, and Rutgers University have created comprehensive first-generation student initiatives that offer personalized academic advising, mentorship, and peer-led workshops. For example, Ramapo College’s First-Generation Student Center supports a student population in which 45% of the incoming class identify as first-generation. The center provides academic coaching, family engagement events, and culturally responsive support, helping to foster a sense of belonging that is critical to persistence (Ramapo College, 2024).

Likewise, Montclair State University, where 48% of incoming students in Fall 2024 identified as first-generation, provides a range of transition programs and community-building efforts that include First-Gen Week celebrations and mentor matching with faculty and staff who are also first-generation college graduates (Montclair State University, 2024). These practices align with research emphasizing the role of mentorship and institutional engagement in promoting resilience and retention among first-generation students (Ward et al., 2012).

New Jersey City University (NJCU) has taken this support a step further by establishing the First-Generation Champion Institute, launched in Fall 2023. This initiative trains faculty and staff to better understand the experiences of first-generation students and equips them with tools to provide intentional and empathetic support. With 54% of its student population identifying as first-generation, NJCU’s model demonstrates the importance of institutional culture change as a component of student success (NJCU, 2024).

At the statewide level, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) plays a critical role in supporting policy development and programming for first-generation learners. One of the most impactful initiatives is the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), which provides both financial assistance and academic support services for students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. EOF scholars often represent first-generation college-goers, and they consistently graduate at higher rates than similarly situated peers who are not part of the program (New Jersey OSHE, 2023). The annual recognition of EOF scholars by the OSHE underscores the state’s commitment to promoting excellence and equity in higher education.

Moreover, New Jersey’s “Some College, No Degree” initiative addresses the needs of first-generation students who began postsecondary education but did not complete a degree. This program helps reenroll and support students who have stopped out, many of whom are navigating higher education without familial precedent. As of 2024, the initiative has successfully reconnected over 8,600 students with degree pathways, demonstrating the impact of targeted outreach and tailored support (New Jersey OSHE, 2024).

Community colleges, such as Brookdale Community College, have also adopted holistic strategies to assist first-generation students. Brookdale offers dedicated advising, first-year seminars, and transfer articulation agreements that make the path to a bachelor’s degree more transparent and achievable. Their initiatives are grounded in an understanding that access to higher education must be accompanied by structural and emotional support to yield meaningful student outcomes (Brookdale Community College, 2024).

Additionally, partnerships with national organizations like America Needs You (ANY) provide further avenues for success. Kean University recently had eleven first-generation students selected for ANY’s competitive fellowship, which offers career development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Such partnerships extend students’ support networks and enhance their social capital—both of which are vital for professional advancement (Kean University, 2024).

The positive outcomes of these programs are supported by empirical research, which finds that structured support services for first-generation students significantly improve retention and graduation rates (Cataldi et al., 2018). These efforts not only help students meet their academic goals but also contribute to broader social mobility, as first-generation graduates are more likely to uplift their families and communities through increased earnings, civic engagement, and educational advocacy.

New Jersey’s colleges, universities, and community colleges have made commendable strides in supporting first-generation students through comprehensive, evidence-based programming. From institutional centers and state-funded initiatives to national partnerships, these programs demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the barriers faced by first-generation students and offer targeted solutions to bridge the gap in educational attainment. By focusing on mentorship, inclusive practices, and long-term academic planning, these efforts do more than promote college access—they empower students to thrive, persist, and graduate with the skills and confidence to lead in an increasingly complex world.

References

Brookdale Community College. (2024). Are you a first-gen student? https://www.brookdalecc.edu/are-you-a-first-gen-student/

Cataldi, E. F., Bennett, C. T., & Chen, X. (2018). First-generation students: College access, persistence, and postbachelor’s outcomes (NCES 2018-421). National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018421.pdf

Engle, J., & Tinto, V. (2008). Moving beyond access: College success for low-income, first-generation students. Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED504448.pdf

Kean University. (2024). Kean first-generation students chosen for America Needs You career program. https://www.kean.edu/news/kean-first-generation-students-chosen-america-needs-you-career-program

Montclair State University. (2024). First-generation initiatives. https://www.montclair.edu/first-gen/

New Jersey City University (NJCU). (2024). First-Generation Champion Institute elevates support for first-gen students. https://www.njcu.edu/about/news/2024/04/njcus-first-generation-champion-institute-elevates-support-first-gen-students

New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). (2023). EOF scholars to be honored by NJ OSHE. https://www.shu.edu/student-services/news/eof-scholars-to-be-honored-by-nj-oshe.html

New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). (2024). Some College, No Degree initiative. https://www.nj.gov/highereducation/

Ramapo College. (2024). First-Generation Student Center. https://www.ramapo.edu/first-gen/

Ward, L., Siegel, M. J., & Davenport, Z. (2012). First-generation college students: Understanding and improving the experience from recruitment to commencement. Jossey-Bass.