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 Language Acquisition classes.
- Workforce preparation skills development.
- 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 Equivalency Preparation Classes
- ESL and Civics Classes
- Monthly Subject Bootcamp (see below for details)
- The following IETs are offered in conjunction to Civic courses. The trainings vary in the number of hours but a certificate is earned with each training.
- Community Health Worker, Customer Service & Sales, and Culinary Foundations.
Course Details
Length:
- 10 Week Terms (Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring);
- 6 Instructional Hours
- Morning and evening schedules available*
- 6 Instructional Hours
Class Structure:
- In-Person
- Online/Remote
- HyFlex (video-capable classrooms)
Orientation:
- Six hours throughout two days
- In-person
- Placement testing
- Registration Required
Subject Bootcamp Details
- Call for the most recent schedule
- One Week
- Monday – Thursday
- 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Single Subject overview
- 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
Integrated Education Training
- Classes are designed to provide occupational and education training together
- Training hours will vary per type of occupation training
- A Certificate or Credential can be earned
- Please contact the program for more information and registration
Upcoming Dates:
- October 23 to October 27
- November 13 to November 17
- December 11 to December 15
- January 8 to January 11
- April 1 to April 4
- June 3 to June 6
*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.
- 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