Ocean County Achievement Center

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.

Interest Form

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.

Mentor Application

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

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.

Exploration of Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship

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.

Job Readiness & Employment Literacy Certificate

This certificate is a series of workshops that cover identifying barriers and coping skills, stress reduction, self-esteem, decision-making, cultural competency, anger management, and more.

Occupational & Trade Trainings

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 Project

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

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 Preparation Classes (aka GED)

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*

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

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*

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.

Civics/ESL and Career Training (IET)

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*

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.

High School Diploma Bootcamp

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 Fall 2024 Registration & Orientation

Registration (9/21/24) and orientation (9/30/24) are both required to enroll in the fall term high school diploma classes.

Fall Term Schedule: October 7 – December 12
High School Diploma Orientation: Monday, September 30th
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Instructional Building #5, Room #114 (use parking lot #1)

High School Diploma Registration: Saturday 21, 2024
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115 (use parking lot #1)

Registration includes placement testing and completion of intake and release forms.

The Event Brite link will become active on August 1^st2024 at 8:00am and close on September 6^th, 2024 at 5:00pm or until Sold Out.

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 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 event on September 21st.

Click on the Eventbrite link below to reserve your spot for High School Diploma Fall Term Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-school-diploma-ged-fall-registration-and-testing-occ-toms-river-tickets-961627071457

High School Diploma Winter 2025 Registration and Orientation

Registration (01/10/25) and orientation (01/10/25) are both required to enroll in the Winter 2025 high school diploma classes.

Fall Term Schedule: January 27th to April 3rd

High School Diploma Orientation: Thursday, January 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115 (use parking lot #1)

High School Diploma Registration: January 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115 (use parking lot #1)

Registration includes placement testing and completion of intake and release forms.

The Eventbrite link will become active on November 1st at 8:00am and close on January 6^th, 2024 at 5:00pm or until Sold Out.

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 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 event on January 10th.

Click on the Eventbrite link to reserve your spot for High School Diploma Spring Term Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-school-diploma-ged-winter-registration-and-testing-toms-river-tickets-972466081227

High School Diploma Spring 2025 Registration and Orientation

Registration (03/21/25) and orientation (04/09/25) are both required to enroll in the SPRING 2025 term high school diploma classes.

Fall Term Schedule: April 14th – June 19th

High School Diploma Orientation: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115 (use parking lot #1)

High School Diploma Registration: Saturday March 21, 2025
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115 (use parking lot #1)

Registration includes placement testing and completion of intake and release forms.

The Event Brite link will become active on February 14th at 8:00am and close on March 17th, 2024 at 5:00pm or until Sold Out.

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.

Each person must register individually for the event on March 21st.

Click on the Eventbrite link below to reserve your spot for High School Diploma Spring Term Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-school-diploma-ged-spring-registration-and-testing-toms-river-tickets-972534064567

English as a Second Language Fall 2024 Orientation

English as a Second Language Fall Orientation MANAHAWKIN for beginners only

Date: September 20^st 2024
Time: 9am-1pm
Class Schedule: October 7^th to December 12^th

Click on this link to reserve your spot for ESL Fall Orientation in MANAHAWKIN

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/english-as-a-second-language-fall-orientation-aecwp-manahawkin-tickets-880857627877

Spots become available on August 1^st at 8 am and ends on September 6^th at 5pm

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.

English as a Second Language Fall Orientation OCC TOMSRIVER

Date: September 21, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Class Schedule: October 7^th to December 12^th

Spots become available on August 1^stat 8:00am and ends on September 6^th at 5:00pm.

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 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.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/english-as-a-second-language-aecwp-fall-orientation-tickets-856582209447

English as a Second Language Winter 2025 Orientation OCC Toms River

Winter Term Schedule: January 27th to April 3rd

ESL Winter Orientation
Date: January 21st
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115

ESL Winter Registration
Date: January 10, 2025 (Snow Date January 14, 2025)
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: Technology Building #25, Room #115

Registration includes placement testing and completion of intake and release forms.

*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.

Spots become available on November 1 at 8:00am and ends on January 6 at 5:00pm or until sold out.

Click on the Eventbrite link to reserve your spot for ESL Winter Orientation in Toms River: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/english-as-a-second-language-winter-registration-and-testingtoms-river-tickets-971145541457

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.

English as a Second Language Winter 2025 Registration & Orientation MANAHAWKIN for beginners only

Winter Term Schedule: January 27 to April 3

Date: January 13, 2025 (Snow Date January 15, 2025)
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: OCC MANAHAWKIN

Registration includes placement testing and completion of intake and release forms.

*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 registration/orientation.

Spots become available on November 1st at 8:00am and ends on January 6th at 5:00pm or until sold out.

Click on this link to reserve your spot for ESL Winter Orientation in MANAHAWKIN: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/english-as-a-second-language-winter-registration-and-testing-manahawkin-tickets-972375319757

For more information call 732-255-0400 ext. 2354 or Email achievementcenter@ocean.edu.

Additional Services

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

Handbook

Handbook
Handbook (Spanish)