Mercer Co., 3 Colleges Form Consortium To Boost Access To Education

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County’s three public colleges have signed on to a new partnership designed to expand educational opportunities and better prepare residents for jobs in the region.

County Executive Dan Benson joined the presidents of The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Community College and Thomas Edison State University on Tuesday to announce the Higher Education Consortium. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the Mercer County Administration Building in Trenton.

The consortium sets up a framework for the three schools to cooperate more closely, according to the county. That includes exploring new academic partnerships, creating clearer paths to a college degree and lining up programs with the needs of Mercer County’s workforce and economy.

“Mercer County is fortunate to be home to three outstanding public institutions of higher education, each of which plays an essential role in the success of our residents and our local economy,” Benson said. “By bringing these institutions together, we have an opportunity to break down barriers, strengthen and increase educational pathways, and ensure that more residents can access the skills, credentials, and degrees they need to succeed.”

He added: “This innovative partnership reflects our belief that when our educational institutions work together, our entire community benefits.”

The three schools serve different student populations and offer programs ranging from associate degrees and workforce training to undergraduate and graduate degrees. The consortium aims to build on each school’s strengths while finding new ways to share resources and serve students, employers and the community, the county said.

“Our institutions have distinct missions, but a shared commitment to student success and the growth of our region economically, socially, and intellectually,” said TCNJ President Michael A. Bernstein. “By aligning our strengths, we can create clearer pathways to a college degree, expand access to educational opportunities, and strengthen our region’s workforce, all for the greater good of Mercer County and its residents.”

Mercer County Community College President Deborah E. Preston said the college looks forward to aligning its programs with those of its partners.

“When we work together, we create bigger and better opportunities for our students and our community,” Preston said.

Thomas Edison State University President Merodie A. Hancock said the consortium will help connect education with employment.

“This Consortium creates an opportunity to build stronger pathways from education to employment, support employers in developing a skilled workforce and help more Mercer County residents advance their careers,” Hancock said. “By working together, we can strengthen the connection between higher education and the workforce, ensuring that educational opportunities align with the skills and credentials employers need to drive our region’s economic growth.”

County officials said they hope the partnership will serve as a model for other communities in New Jersey and across the country.

The county did not say what specific programs or initiatives the consortium will launch first, or whether it comes with any funding.

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