Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will soon be expanding to a building in Union City. President Dr. Glen Gabert recently announced that the construction of the North Hudson Center, at 48th Street and Kennedy Boulevard, will begin this spring.
The project marks the second phase of the college’s $200 million capital expansion plan, and is scheduled to be completed in 2010, with classes beginning in 2011.
“The HCCC Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff work tirelessly to ensure that all of the people of Hudson County have access to an affordable education that provides the knowledge and skills they need in today’s world,” said Gabert.
The main branch of the college is in Jersey City. The seven-story 92,350 square foot North Hudson Center will include classrooms, offices, common areas, an outdoor plaza, and its own library called the Learning Resource Center.
The project marks the second phase of the college’s $200 million capital expansion plan.
________
The building was designed by RSC Architects, the firm based in Cliffside Park that also planned the college’s Culinary Arts Institute/Conference Center, a $75 million facility in Jersey City. The culinary program at HCCC is recognized nationally, and is one of the few in the area that is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, an organization dedicated to improving the education of American chefs.
“Thanks to our Culinary Art Institute’s growing reputation, expanded course offerings in other areas, and an aggressive community outreach program, we have seen substantial growth in the past few years,” said Gabert. “The North Hudson Center will accommodate that growth and provide unparalleled educational opportunities to our ethnically and culturally diverse Hudson County community.”
HCCC’s Culinary Arts Institute and Division of Community Education, which offers classes in business, computer skills, ESL and more, works with several local groups to provide job training and readiness skills as well as certification programs. The college also offers an education in hospitality management, health sciences, home economics, and law.
Last year, a record-breaking number of 7,525 students enrolled at HCCC. In 2007, the enrollment was 7,019.
The school offers associate degree and certificate programs in areas such as culinary arts, hospitality management, business and marketing, computer science, heath sciences, home economics, law, and multi-interdisciplinary studies.
Amanda Staab may be reached at astaab@hudsonreporter.com.