The Center will provide support and programming for students seeking to attend college

William Paterson University is partnering with New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) in Paterson to create the William Paterson University College Central space in the new youth recreation center. This initiative will provide a wide range of programs designed to support Paterson students who plan to pursue college education.

NJCDC will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for its new youth recreation center on Front Street in Paterson on October 16. As part of a broader partnership between the two institutions, William Paterson University has committed financial and in-kind support to this important community initiative.

“We are proud to partner with the NJCDC to expand educational opportunities for the people of Paterson,” said President Richard J. Helldobler. “As we mark the 75th year of our move to our current campus, it is an especially promising time to reaffirm and deepen the University’s connections to the city of our founding. Working through the Paterson Alliance, our partnership with the Cosmos and Jackals, the Paterson Anchor Collaborative, and our Small Business Development Center, our students, faculty, and staff engage every day with the city and its people to improve futures. College Central will provide the people of Paterson with a significant new means of empowering themselves and their community through higher education.”

William Paterson University College Central will provide a variety of programs staffed by University employees for Paterson students who wish to attend college. The center is expected to offer college access and enrollment programming through college fairs, application and college essay workshops, financial aid/FAFSA and college-financing workshops; instant decision days; transfer advising, particularly supporting Passaic County Community College students; dual-enrollment opportunities; and campus tours and admissions-event transportation. College Central also will serve as a resource for adults seeking to begin, return to, or complete college, including transfer pathways, prior learning assessment, certificates and micro-credentials, and career preparation.

Programming will also include bilingual parent/family information sessions; college-readiness and enrichment workshops; and culturally responsive community events. Academic and enrichment offerings will include writing, math, test-taking, time-management, digital literacy, and coding/gaming/animation. The center will provide credit, non-credit, and certificate programs, as well as micro-credential offerings as capacity develops and may include programmatic assistance from various academic disciplines.

Planned offerings include career and workforce preparation guidance for resume writing, interviewing skills, career exploration, pursuit of job fairs, establishment of job shadowing/internship connections, and related career development programming. In addition, programs may be offered in connection with the University’s Small Business Development Center and Center for Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

The partnership with NJCDC will provide William Paterson University students with significant opportunities for community service and experiential learning, such as tutoring and mentoring.