Category: Uncategorized

Cranford, NJ – Libni Vizcaino, a student at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has completed a fall internship with United States Senator Cory Booker. Vizcaino, of Roselle, is pursuing a degree in public administration and will be graduating from UCNJ in May 2026.

Born in the Dominican Republic and immigrating to the United States at 17, Vizcaino has made remarkable strides in the nearly four years since her arrival. At UCNJ, she is an active member of Union Honors, Phi Theta Kappa, Operation Graduation, and serves as a student worker in the Office of College Life. This past summer, she completed the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey Summer Institute at Rutgers University, a highly regarded, non-partisan leadership program that introduces college women to political leadership and public service.​

Vizcaino’s interest in public service deepened after taking Associate Professor of History Dr. Michele Rotunda’s Government Honors class, where she met Assemblywoman Linda Carter (NJ-22). That connection led to her first internship in Assemblywoman Carter’s office, after which Vizcaino designed and completed a self-led leadership project in her hometown of Roselle, helping immigrants gain better access to local job opportunities.​

Motivated by her passion for serving others, Vizcaino went on to apply for and secure an internship with U.S. Senator Cory Booker. In this role, she took on a wide range of responsibilities, including supporting federal constituent assistance, helping communicate immigration updates to local and state communities, working with lobbyists, coordinating events, engaging directly with community members, and providing bilingual support to those needing language assistance.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I congratulate Libni on successfully completing her internship with Senator Booker,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “Libni consistently takes initiative, leads both in and outside of the classroom, and is deeply committed to making a difference in her community and the world. We look forward to seeing the many opportunities that lie ahead for her.”

After completing her degree at UCNJ, Libni plans to transfer to a four-year institution to study international relations or business. She hopes to build a career focused on expanding access to the kinds of opportunities she has received, working in international affairs, and continuing to pursue her passion for the creative arts.

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ student Kelly Constante Yanzapanta, of Plainfield, has been selected as a Kaplan Leadership Program (KLP) scholar. She is one of only 12 students recognized in the tri-state area for this leadership opportunity. The KLP targets students at two-year schools who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.

Constante Yanzapanta, a first-generation college student, is pursuing an associate degree in business. She is actively involved in numerous clubs and programs at the College, serving as Committee Leader of Public Relations for Phi Theta Kappa, Vice President of the Humane Society Club, and Secretary of the Teachers of Tomorrow Club. She also helps her peers as a tutor in UCNJ’s Academic Learning Center. Over the summer, Constante Yanzapanta participated in Princeton University’s Transfer Scholars Initiative (TSI), a highly selective program that enables exceptional students from community colleges to take courses at Princeton free of charge.

This spring, Constante Yanzapanta will graduate from UCNJ and continue her education in anthropology. She looks forward to exploring her many passions, including nonprofit work that supports students and immigrants, as well as opportunities in business.

“Congratulations to Kelly for being selected as a Kaplan Leadership scholar. Her academic achievements, involvement on campus, and continued pursuit of success embody the spirit of UCNJ,” said UCNJ President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “The College strives to provide an environment where students like Kelly are supported and encouraged to pursue transformative opportunities such as the Kaplan Leadership Program. Her accomplishments remind us that a high-quality education opens doors and changes lives. We know she will continue to make us proud as she moves forward in her journey.”

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

For more information on the Kaplan Leadership Scholar program, go to https://www.kaplanedfoundation.org/

 

$1 Million Prize Honors Colleges Achieving Strong Student Results, Both in College and After Graduation

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, the Aspen Institute named UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.

“The UCNJ community is honored to be selected as one of the Top 200 Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute. Our Mission is to transform our community, one student at a time, and we are committed to providing affordable and quality education for all our students. This recognition is a testament to our hardworking students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to making an impact in the community and the nation. We greatly appreciate the continued support of the College’s Boards and Union County Board of County Commissioners. We are grateful to once again be recognized by the Aspen Institute, reaffirming our excellent academics, continual support of our students and alumni, and our unwavering commitment to the success of every that student we serve” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

Together, these 200 colleges represent the breadth and diversity of the community college sector. They are located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across the country and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of these colleges focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

UCNJ’s Board Chairman Vic Richel noted that “being recognized as a 2027 TOP 200 community college is validation of our continuing focus on student success that was celebrated when we were named an Aspen TOP 10 for 2025. Our institutional commitment to excellence has been, once again, affirmed by the Aspen College Excellence Program.”

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

Community colleges educate nearly six million students. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges which demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming 20 months is to gather a lot more data and work with a deep bench of field experts to assess which of these 200 stand out so we can not only honor them with a monetary award, but drive attention to the most effective field practices that other colleges can replicate.”

This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.

The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage.

The next steps in the process include:

• November 13/December 9, 2025: Application deadlines for the 2027 Prize

• April 2026: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and the application by a group of 11 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce

• June 2026: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the same group of experts

• Fall 2026: Collection of additional data from the 10 finalists, including employment and earnings data for graduates from 2020 and 2025, as well as qualitative assessments of practices by field experts during multi-day site visits to each of the 10 finalists

• February 2027: The Aspen Prize winner selected by a distinguished, independent jury

• Spring 2027: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists at an event in Washington, D.C.

To read more about the selection process, visit as.pn/prize.

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation.

Previous winners are:

• 2025: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (WI)
• 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
• 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
• 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
• 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
• 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
• 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) & Walla Walla Community College (WA)
• 2011: Valencia College (FL)

Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years.

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ welcomed four new board members this fall: Kathy Fitzpatrick, Emily Root, and Bob Sloan, all of Westfield, and Lisa Vecchione, of Springfield. The new members were sworn in during a joint meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees and Board of Governors on September 16, 2025.

Emily Root was appointed to the Board of Trustees by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Root is a former member of the Westfield Town Council and has a speech therapy practice in Berkeley Heights. She is also an adjunct instructor at both Kean University and San Francisco State University. Ms. Root earned a bachelor’s degree from University of California Santa Cruz and a master’s degree from New York University.

Kathy Fitzpatrick joined the Board of Governors. She is a 1975 alumna of the College and completed her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University. Ms. Fitzpatrick is a successful business woman and entrepreneur. She and her husband created the Fitzpatrick Family Foundation, which is focused on education.

Bob Sloan has been appointed to the Board of Governors. He attended the UCNJ in the 1970’s and earned a bachelor’s degree from Curry College and an MBA from Seton Hall University. He was an executive with AT&T FirstNet serving as Chief Operating Officer and is now a technology consultant. Mr. Sloan previously served as a member of the Seton Hall University Board of Trustees.

Lisa Vecchione joined the Board of Governors as an appointee from the College’s Alumni Association. She is a 2003 alumna and an active volunteer in the community with a number of organ and tissue donation organizations as well as other local philanthropies.

“We are honored to welcome these four new members,” said UCNJ board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel. “They bring a distinctive array of talent and expertise to the Boards which will provide invaluable insight and leadership to support our continued growth and student success.”

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ has been recognized nationally by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society in the fifth annual edition of Change Makers: Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Student Leadership. UCNJ’s PTK Iota Xi Chapter is one of only 15 institutions selected for the 2025 issue, which highlights innovative student-led projects that align with college goals and strengthen campus communities. The projects support PTK’s commitment to cultivating and acknowledging student excellence.

The Change Makers journal showcases leadership initiatives from PTK chapters across the nation, spotlighting projects that support each institution’s mission and strategic priorities. UCNJ’s project, developed in partnership between students, faculty, and College administrators, was chosen from more than 450 submissions.

UCNJ’s PTK project was titled “Green Minds: Students Feeding the Future,” and it was designed to support the fight against food insecurity which is a persistent challenge negatively impacting students at the College and those at many community colleges nationwide. Student leaders in the PTK Iota Xi Chapter developed and executed a plan to provide fresh produce using the College’s hydroponic systems to supply fresh vegetation to the on-campus Food Pantry and the College’s Farmers Market.

“The College Project is a key part of Phi Theta Kappa’s mission to empower students to lead and serve,” said Change Makers editor and Senior Director of Student Leadership Jennifer Stanford. “By aligning their projects with their college’s goals, PTK members team up with college leaders to create meaningful change that lasts. It’s a partnership that helps keep PTK chapters strong, connected, and impactful.”

“Congratulations to the College’s Iota Xi Chapter for being selected as one of only a handful of institutions to be included in the Change Makers publication. For many years, the Iota Xi Chapter has maintained its status as a Five Star Chapter, thanks to the leadership, creativity, and commitment of our student-scholars and their faculty advisors” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “This recognition highlights how our students not only excel academically but also work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to make lasting contributions that strengthen our College community.”

About UCNJ

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Cranford, NJ – Join the Union County College Foundation on October 30 for the 33rd Annual Scholarship Gala. The event will be held at the Westwood in Garwood beginning at 6 p.m. and will be honoring Victor M. Richel, Chairman of the UCNJ Board of Trustees with the 2025 Fiat Lux Award and Northfield Bank as the 2025 Corporate Partner of the Year.

The Gala is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event of the year, providing financial support for UCNJ students, which helps to ensure that economic status is not a roadblock to academic success. The Foundation allocates resources for student scholarships, housing, emergency funding, and more.

The Union County College Foundation will honor Victor M. Richel with the 2025 Fiat Lux Award in recognition of his extraordinary leadership, vision, and philanthropic support of UCNJ. A distinguished banking executive and civic leader, Mr. Richel works to expand access to education and opportunity for students across Union County. Under Chairman Richel’s leadership, UCNJ has advanced innovative initiatives and student success – helping the College gain national recognition as one of only ten finalists for the 2025 million-dollar Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Through the Richel Family Foundation, the Richel family has generously supported student scholarships, provided critical resources for academic initiatives, and helped ensure the success of every major College Foundation event. Chairman Richel exemplifies what it means to invest in the future. His legacy at UCNJ will continue to inspire and empower generations of students to come.

Northfield Bank will be receiving the 2025 Corporate Partner of the Year award in recognition of their long-standing commitment to UCNJ students and the Mission. For more than a decade, Northfield Bank has provided critical scholarship support, removing financial barriers and expanding opportunities so that students can achieve their academic and career goals. Northfield Bank exemplifies the highest standard of partnership in advancing education.

“Honoring Chairman Richel with this year’s Fiat Lux Award is a well-deserved recognition. Over his 40 years on the College’s Board of Trustees, his vision, leadership, and generosity have opened doors for thousands of students – transforming their academic and career journeys. We are similarly thrilled to recognize Northfield Bank, a critical partner whose support helps ensure that UCNJ students have the opportunity to earn a credential of value. This Gala is a celebration of their incredible impact on students, and it is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event. Every bit of support makes a big difference” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

The Union County College Foundation Gala is selling tickets and has sponsorship opportunities available. For more information on the Gala, please visit ucc.edu/Gala2025, contact the Foundation office at (908) 709-7505 or email foundation@ucc.edu.

UCNJ is a public, comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.  For more information on how you can support UCNJ students contact our Foundation at 908.709.7505 or email foundation@ucc.edu.

 

 

Cranford, NJ – Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, has been named to the 2025 NJBIZ Education Power 50 for the second consecutive year. This list profiles the most influential education professionals in New Jersey.

Dr. McMenamin has served as President of UCNJ since 2010 with a student-centered focus that has transformed the College’s outcomes. Under her leadership, the College’s graduation rate has more than quintupled. Most recently, the Aspen Institute recognized UCNJ as one of only ten finalists for the 2025 million-dollar Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

In 2020, Dr. McMenamin was named the National Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees. She currently serves as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Higher Education Research and Development Institute and is an active member of several local and national organizations, including the Boards of Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Union County Performing Arts Cener, the New Jersey Israel Commission, and the NJ-PBS Community Advisory Board. In 2015, she was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

“On behalf of the UCNJ community, I want to congratulate Dr. McMenamin for her recognition as an NJBIZ educational leader. Dr. McMenamin’s dedication to expanding opportunities for students and her focus on student success, particularly first-generation and underrepresented students, is an inspiration to all of us. This recognition is a reflection on her remarkable impact on the College and the surrounding community” stated UCNJ Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel.

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin, President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, has received the 2025 Union County Lifetime Achievement Award from Scouting America. This award is presented to leaders who exemplify the ideals that Scouting America has expressed in the Scout Oath and Law for over 115 years.

Dr. McMenamin was recognized for her leadership and commitment to the community. She has served as President of UCNJ since 2010 with a student-centered focus that has transformed the College’s outcomes. Under her leadership, the College’s graduation rate has more than quintupled. Most recently, the Aspen Institute recognized UCNJ as one of only ten finalists for the 2025 million-dollar Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

President McMenamin is involved with numerous community organizations. She is an active member of several local and national organizations, including the Boards of RWJBarnabas Health Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Union County Performing Arts Center, the New Jersey Israel Commission, and the NJ-PBS Community Advisory Board. In 2015, Dr. McMenamin was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. In 2020, she was named the National Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees. President McMenamin was selected for the 2024 NJBIZ Education Power 50 List and was the recipient of the 2025 Leaders in Workforce & Community Development, Community Agency Partner Award by the Elizabeth Development Company.

“President McMenamin’s commitment to student success and improving lives through education is what makes her an exceptional choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award,” stated UCNJ Board of Trustees Chairman Victor M. Richel. “Her visionary leadership has not only transformed UCNJ but has also strengthened the greater Union County community. This award is a reflection of the lasting impact she has made on countless students and families, and we are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

Cranford, NJ – Jenna Medina from UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ in New Jersey is one of 220 Phi Theta Kappa members named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Medina is pursuing a degree in Cyber Forensics at UCNJ.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps new Phi Theta Kappa members defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in Society programs and are selected based on scholastic achievement, community service, and leadership potential. More than 600 applications were received.

A total of $220,000 will be awarded this year through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, who provides multiple Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Paulsen, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global community.”

The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Amanda Karpinski Gorman, Interim Executive Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”

“On behalf of the College community, I want to congratulate Jenna for earning this recognition as a Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar. Her commitment to academic excellence and leadership is a reflection of her hard work. We wish her continued success as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and are excited to see her further achieve her educational and career goals” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

About UCNJ

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ joins a national network of community colleges working to align programs with good jobs and bachelor’s pathways, addressing local talent needs and changing student lives.

Cranford, NJ – Today, UCNJ joins the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s expanded Unlocking Opportunity network – an initiative designed to help community colleges reform programs in ways that improve student outcomes – ensuring students earn degrees that lead to good-paying jobs.

UCNJ, alongside 54 other colleges, will join 10 pilot institutions in a growing national effort to align their programs and student​ advising with the two most important goals of community college students: ​leaving college with a credential and​​​ ​​a good job or ​transferring and ​completing a bachelor’s degree. Through three years of focused reforms, these colleges will work with Aspen to assess current programs, set goals, and implement research-based reforms to increase student success.

“We are excited to join the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity network, with a goal of ensuring that our students successfully transfer and pursue high-value careers that provide a family sustaining wage. By aligning our programs with strong transfer pathways and continuing to improve student outcomes, the College community is fulfilling its mission to advance economic mobility, while addressing the workforce needs of our community,” stated UCNJ’s President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin.

“Every year, millions of students rely on community colleges for a low-cost pathway to what they assume will be a high-value credential,” said Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “They rightly assume that the degree and certificate programs their colleges offer will deliver a good job and fulfilling career either directly after community college or after transferring and earning a bachelor’s degree. The leaders at each of the 55 colleges that have signed up for Unlocking Opportunity have made clear that they will spend the next three years working towards the kinds of reforms needed to make that assumption a reality for thousands more students.”

The multi-year initiative will engage college leaders and teams through a series of virtual and in-person sessions focused on scaling reforms that align their community college programs with available good jobs and bachelor’s degree pathways in their regions. Guided by lessons from successful reforms implemented by the 10 Unlocking Opportunity pilot institutions, the new 55 colleges will set goals to increase student enrollment in and completion of high-value workforce and transfer programs, while reducing lower-opportunity pathways.

The 10 Unlocking Opportunity pilot institutions are on track to collectively move over 20,000 students into high-value programs of study​ that lead to good jobs​. With this expansion, Aspen will (for at least the next three years) track and support progress for 65 participating colleges, including those 55 just selected. Aspen will use insights from this work to inform the broader field through fellowship programs, publications, and state partnerships to provide professional development to college leaders and teams.

 

The full list of colleges joining the expanded network is available here.

Unlocking Opportunity, developed in partnership with the Community College Research Center, is supported by Arnold Ventures, Ascendium Education Group, Bank of America, ECMC Foundation, and JPMorganChase. The expansion of the Unlocking Opportunity network is made possible by the support of JPMorganChase.

To learn more about the network, visit https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/programs/unlocking-opportunity

UCNJ is a public comprehensive community college that provides quality, affordable, accessible educational programs to the greater Union County region. It is the first of New Jersey’s 18 two-year colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College offers a wide variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities. UCNJ provides many experiential learning opportunities such as access to the Bloomberg Business Center, Innovation Center, and Student Research Lab. Additionally, students at UCNJ attend one of the top 10 community colleges in the country as designated by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. To learn more about UCNJ, visit www.ucc.edu.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit aspeninstitute.org.