Brookdale Community College President David M. Stout, Ph.D., congratulates William A. Salcedo, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey who was awarded an honorary associate’s degree during the College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. Photo credit to Brookdale Community College.

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) announced that Executive Director William A. Salcedo received an honorary associate degree from Brookdale Community College during the 2026 Commencement ceremonies on May 14.

The honor recognizes Salcedo’s longstanding leadership in youth development, mentoring, community service, and nonprofit leadership across New Jersey.

“I am honored and very grateful to be recognized by an institution that has such a meaningful impact on our community,” remarked Salcedo. “I’m proud to share this recognition with everyone who has been part of that journey.”

During his remarks, Salcedo urged students to look beyond technology and focus on strengthening their humanity.  “In a world driven more and more by algorithms, your real advantage will be your ability to be human. To connect with people. To listen. To build trust. To show up when it matters.”

Salcedo emphasized, “What changes a young person’s life is not a program or a system. It is a relationship. I have seen a young person go from failing classes to graduating because one adult kept showing up. Someone who listened; someone who believed in them before they believed in themselves. That is something no technology can replace."

A United States Navy veteran, Salcedo has led BBBSCNNJ since 2008. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from a single-county mentoring agency serving approximately 300 youth annually into one of the region’s largest mentoring organizations, now impacting more than 2,100 youth across 10 New Jersey counties each year.

During his tenure, the agency expanded its reach across coastal and northern New Jersey while strengthening one-to-one mentoring programs that empower youth, support families, and create positive, long-term outcomes for children as they build brighter futures.

Brookdale Community College announced Salcedo as one of two honorary degree recipients for its 2026 Commencement ceremonies, recognizing his leadership, integrity, resilience, and lifelong commitment to mentoring and youth development, which also extends to his inclusion on the Brookdale President’s Community Advisory Council.

BBBSCNNJ currently serves youth and families across Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties through evidence-based one-to-one mentoring and empowerment programs.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey or how to become a mentor, visit https://mentornj.org/.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey

Celebrating 50 years of impact, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) has been transforming the lives of children through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with caring adult volunteers. BBBSCNNJ empowers young people to reach their full potential, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Serving 10 counties across New Jersey - Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren - BBBSCNNJ creates lasting, positive change for both youth and mentors. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to donate, visit www.mentornj.org.

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