Welcome to the Ocean County Achievement Center
The Ocean County Achievement Center is a collaborative partnership with Ocean County College, Ocean County PIC, Inc., Georgian Court University, and Goodwill’s Helms Academy. The Ocean County Achievement Center is hosted on OCC’s campus and provides free comprehensive and individualized services to out-of-school young adults and adults. The services will address academic, career, and financial goals. Services are provided by various community partners to engage young adults and adults in educational programs, integrated education training, career exploration, work readiness training, internships, on-the-job learning, leadership development, job placement, adult mentoring, and work experience opportunities.
Various funding sources provide young adults (16-24) and adults with comprehensive services to gain career-decision-making tools, and to prepare for their next steps in education and employment.
The Work Readiness Assistance Program is funded through a grant provided by the Ocean County Department of Human Services and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.
The Adult Education, Civics, and Workforce Preparation Program is funded by the State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for Consolidated Adult Basic Skills (Title II) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Programs.
Services Provided by Various Community Partners Include:
- High School Diploma Preparation
- Career and Entrepreneurial Exploration
- Work Readiness Training
- On-the-job Shadowing
- Leadership Development
- Work Experience Opportunities
- Job Placement
Additional supportive services are adult mentors, peer support , service learning projects, career days, career/occupational field trips, resource fairs, personal enrichment and growth, follow-up services, and life skills counseling.
Become a Mentor
The Achievement Center seeks mentors that want to enrich and enhance their personal or professional life by serving in various capacities within the Ocean County Achievement Center hosted at Ocean County College. The mentor position is for individuals within the local and business community who wish to provide services to young adults of the Ocean County Achievement Center. Mentors commit to developing a supportive relationship with one program mentee for a minimum of 6-months. The mentor will provide guidance, encouragement, support, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and assist the young adult with improving decision making abilities, behaviors, and attitudes.
The Work Readiness Assistance Program (WRAP)
The Work Readiness Assistance Program (WRAP) is for out-of-school young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 living in Ocean County. WRAP provides free services to address academic, career, and financial goals. Services are also provided by various community partners to engage young adults and adults in educational programs, career exploration, work readiness training, internships, on-the-job learning, leadership development, job placement, adult mentoring, and work experience opportunities.
The WRAP grant has built-in support services to also assist young adults struggling with transportation, mental health, food insecurities, and more.
Certificates & Programs
High school diploma equivalency classes* assist individuals in preparing to take the GED exam to earn a State of New Jersey High School Diploma. Classes are scheduled up to five days a week for a minimum of 3 hours per day, and offer multiple options for individuals to attend, including in-person, virtual, and computerized classes with instructor guidance. The programs are designed to assist individuals in reaching their educational goals effectively.
*Program services are offered through separate funding sources.
Participants will evaluate their current knowledge, skills and abilities in a series of assessments, followed by customer service skills development and targeted, entry-level, in-demand career exploration, as well as small business/entrepreneurship development. Participants will explore various career options, earn entry-level certifications, and develop skills for customer service interactions.
Occupational and trade training could be available to you based on your career goals. Some examples are:
- Electrician
- Healthcare
- HVAC
- Technology
- Transportation
*Funding available through partners if eligible.
Service learning projects teach and build teamwork, leadership, and-interpersonal skills. Some examples of projects are:
- S.A.V.E. Animal shelter – working to help animals
- JBJ Soul Kitchen – feeding the community
- Cattus Island – keeping the park litter free
Leadership Academy includes The Only Person U Cheat is U (TOPUCU) and Community Service Learning Project
A series of workshops that help with developing and reinforcing a successful mindset, decision-making, and identifying actions to achieve goals. Participants learn leadership and interpersonal skills, building teamwork, and tools to help strengthen our communities.
Career Guidance
Job Placement
- Workplace skills such as time management, workers rights, and job safety
- Mock interview
- Assistance with employment applications and assessments
Job Readiness & Life Skills Counseling
- Adopting good habits
- Money management
- Dressing for success
- Paid on or off campus work experience
- Related to a career interest or an opportunity to build skills
Adult Peer Mentoring
- Career and education mentoring
- Provides extra support and guidance
- Meets for 1 – 2 hours a month
Adult Education, Civics & Workforce Preparation Program
The Adult Education, Civics & Workforce Preparation Program (AECWP) provides free comprehensive services to Ocean County residents. The AECWP program is housed within the Workforce and Professional Education Department on the main campus at Ocean County College and throughout the county. The Program provides the following:
- High School equivalency test preparation.
- English As A Second Language (ESL) Classes.
- Workforce preparation skills development.
- Digital Literacy for Basic Computer Skills.
- Integrated Education Training
- Family literacy events.
Additional services include case management and access to OCC resources such as:
- Tutoring Center
- Helping Hands Food Pantry
- Disability Services
- Counseling
- Library
Accommodations for students can be provided based on needs and barriers to assist with successful program completion.
*The Adult Education, Civics, and Workforce Preparation Program is funded by the State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for Consolidated Adult Basic Skills (Title II) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Programs.
High school diploma equivalency classes assist individuals in preparing to take the GED exam to earn a State of New Jersey High School Diploma. Classes are run 4 times a year for a minimum of 10-weeks per term. Attendance is mandatory and a minimum of 3 unexcused absences. The programs are designed to assist individuals in reaching their educational and career goals effectively. All individuals are required to attend orientation; complete and intake and forms; and take a pre-& post assessment.
Course Details:
- Mandatory Orientation
- In-Person Placement Testing
- Registration Required
Length:
- 10 Week Terms (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring);
- 6 Instructional Hours
- Morning and evening schedules available*
- 6 Instructional Hours
Class Structure:
- In-Person
*Attendance is Required
**Please note: Students under 18 years of age must provide a withdrawal letter from high school, and signed release forms are required before the orientation.
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes will provide instruction to enhance, develop, and strengthen your ability to read and write in English. The classes are provided in English two days or two nights a week. There are six levels for students to enroll in, however, not all levels are offered at all locations. Attendance is mandatory and a minimum of 3 unexcused absences. All individuals are required to attend orientation; complete and intake and forms; and take a pre- & post assessment.
Course Details:
- Mandatory Orientation
- In-Person Placement Testing
- Registration Required
Length:
- 10 Week Terms (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring);
- 6 Instructional Hours
- Morning and evening schedules available*
- 6 Instructional Hours
Class Structure:
- In-Person
*Attendance is Required
**Please note: Students under 18 years of age must provide a withdrawal letter from high school, and signed release forms are required before the orientation.
- Integrated Education Training (IET)
- Classes are designed to provide occupational career and education training together
- IETs are offered in conjunction to Civic courses
- Training hours will vary per type of occupation training
- A Certificate or Credential can be earned
- The following IETs are offered
- Customer Service & Sales, Culinary Foundations, Medical Terminology
Please contact us for more information and registration about the IET classes program achievementcenter@ocean.edu
Course Details:
- Mandatory Orientation
- In-Person Placement Testing
- Registration Required
Length:
- 10 Week Terms (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring);
- 6 Instructional Hours
- Morning and evening schedules available*
- 6 Instructional Hours
Class Structure:
- In-Person
*Attendance is Required
**Please note: Students under 18 years of age must provide a withdrawal letter from high school, and signed release forms are required before the orientation.
Subject Bootcamp Details
- Course is held for one week and in-person
- Monday – Thursday
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Testing schedule with instructor
- Homework must be completed
- Attendance is mandatory; all days are required
Subject Bootcamp Eligibility
- 9+ Grade level**
- You only need 1 or 2 subjects to pass the test
- Registration required
For upcoming Bootcamp dates email achievementcenter@ocean.edu
High School Diploma Summer Orientation
Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Class Schedule: July 22 to September 26
The Event Brite link will become active on May 1st 2024 at 8:00am and close on July 5th, 2024 at 5:00pm
For more information call 732-255-0482 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.
You must register on Eventbrite to reserve a spot for High School Diploma Preparation Classes. If you do not reserve your seat you will not be able to attend orientation or attend classes. Seats are limited and on a first come first serve basis.
Each person must register individually for the orientation.
Click on the Eventbrite link below to reserve your spot for High School Diploma Summer Orientation:
English as a Second Language Fall Orientation MANAHAWKIN
Date: September 20st 2024
Time: 9am-1pm or 11am-4pm
Class Schedule: October 7th to December 12th
Click on this link to reserve your spot for ESL Fall Orientation in MANAHAWKIN
Spots become available on August 1st at 8 am and ends on September 6th at 5pm
For more information call 732-255-0482 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.
Date: September 21, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Class Schedule: October 7th to December 12th
Spots become available on August 1st at 8:00am and ends on September 6th at 5:00pm.
For more information call 732-255-0482 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.
You must register on Eventbrite to reserve a spot for English as a Second language Classes. If you do not reserve your seat you will not be able to attend orientation or attend classes.
Seats are limited and on a first come first serve basis.
Each person must register individually for the orientation.
- Career Development and Training
- Career Training Opportunities
- Counseling Services
- Disability Service
- Family Literacy Events
- Financial Literacy Education Workshops
- Learning Labs
- Referrals to Outside Agencies
- Support Services
- Testing Information
- Tutoring Services
- Workforce Preparation
- Workshops