Brookdale Chosen to Lead Workforce Innovation Center for Learning, Teaching and Research

Brookdale Community College has been named the Lead Institution for the Workforce Innovation Center for Learning, Teaching and Research, part of the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities program. This honor, awarded by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, recognizes Brookdale’s leadership in connecting education with job training to meet the state’s evolving economic needs.

“This recognition affirms our commitment to bridging the gap between education and workforce readiness while addressing critical workforce demands across New Jersey,” said Brookdale President David M. Stout.

Brookdale will receive $25,000 as the Lead Institution to support its responsibilities. These include serving as the primary link between the Consortium and the Center’s partners to enhance collaboration between schools and industries.

The Workforce Innovation Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research drives initiatives that equip students and workers with essential skills for career success. Brookdale Community College will partner with 14 other community colleges across New Jersey—Atlantic Cape, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Raritan Valley, Salem, Sussex, Ocean, Union, and Rowan College at Burlington County—to develop programs that strengthen workforce readiness. Key initiatives include Essential Learning, Career Readiness Skills, and General Education; the Research Pathway for STEM Student Scholars; and the Pathways to Careers in Teaching project, which will expand paraprofessional training and P-3 licensing programs to address critical workforce needs in K-12 education.

Brookdale’s Executive Director of Continuing and Professional Studies, Susan Pagano, Ed.D., will represent the college in this initiative. She emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Strong partnerships drive this initiative. Together, we’re building pathways that empower students to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.”

The New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities program encompasses multiple Workforce Innovation Centers with participation from community colleges across New Jersey. These Centers’ Pathway Projects include:

Patient Care Center (Health Services Industry) led by Union Community College
Data & Computer Science Center (Innovation and Technology Industry) led by County College of Morris
Construction Center led by Hudson County Community College
Renewable Energy Center (Infrastructure and Energy) led by Atlantic Cape Community College
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Logistics Center (Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management) led by Rowan College of South Jersey
Centers in Emerging Industries include:
Film & Television Production led by Camden County College
Aseptic Processing & Biomanufacturing led by Raritan Valley Community College
Workforce Innovation Center for Learning, Teaching and Research led by Brookdale Community College

By serving as the primary link between the Consortium and the Center’s partners, Brookdale is strengthening collaboration between colleges and industries to create meaningful opportunities for students and employers alike. For more information please contact Susan Pagano at spagano@brookdalecc.edu.