Brookdale Community College has been awarded $496,100 in grant funding through the New Jersey Council of County Colleges as part of the statewide New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative. The funding supports Year 4 (FY26) of the program and will expand workforce training opportunities in healthcare, technology, and film and television production.

The grant is administered through the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, which partners with community colleges across the state to develop industry-aligned education and career pathways for students, adult learners, and workers.

At Brookdale, the funding will support programs through several Centers of Workforce Innovation, creating new and expanded opportunities for students and professionals to gain industry-recognized credentials and hands-on training in high-demand fields.

Center of Workforce Innovation for Patient Care

1. Certified Dementia Practitioner Micro-Credential
2. Electronic Health Records Micro-Credential

Center of Workforce Innovation for Data & Computer Science

1. Drone Technology Workforce Program

Center of Workforce Innovation for Film & Television Production

1. New Jersey Film Academy
2. Unreal Engine Production Certification

“These programs strengthen Brookdale’s commitment to preparing students and workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Dr. David M. Stout, president of Brookdale Community College. “By working alongside industry partners and statewide collaborators, we are creating accessible pathways that connect education, innovation, and meaningful career opportunities.”

The Pathways initiative brings together employers, industry associations, labor unions, educational institutions, and workforce development partners to provide students, adult learners, and workers with the education and career pathways they need to secure competitive-wage careers. At the same time, the initiative helps ensure that employers have access to a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet critical labor market needs.

Since launching in December 2021, the Pathways initiative has created a statewide cross-sector education ecosystem connected to industry, with more than 1,800 education and industry partners participating across New Jersey.

Supported by investments from Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature, the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative:

1. Unites industry and education experts to break down silos and foster collaboration
2. Creates education and career pathways for residents in the four fastest-growing industries in New Jersey
3. Positions New Jersey to build a skilled workforce that can adapt to a changing economy
4. Supports a more resilient, equitable, and fair economy for all residents

The funding will be distributed in a single payment and supports project deliverables developed by Brookdale faculty and staff working with the statewide Centers of Workforce Innovation. Through collaborative programs like these, Brookdale continues to play a key role in helping New Jersey residents gain the skills needed to succeed in an evolving workforce.