Back to School Options at NCC

The New Community Corporation is home to a one-stop Workforce Development Center. It is a three-story, 25,000 square foot center on Bergen Street in Newark's Central Ward providing educational and training courses, supportive services, financial aid and job placement assistance. The Center has three noteworthy programs: School of Practical Nursing, School of Culinary Arts and the Youth and Adult Automotive Training Center (YAATC) program.

Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts Program was created 18 years ago and has graduated hundreds of students. The Culinary Arts Program is a 7-month hands-on program from Monday through Friday. Students learn everything from food handling, kitchen skills, cost control, safety, sanitation, to nutrition and more. They work onsite at The Culinary Café - cooking up daily delicious lunches. The café, located in the New Community Extended Care Center at 266 South Orange Avenue in Newark, is open to the public and lunch is available for $3.50 - what a deal! The students must also complete a 150-hour internship with one of the school's partners - like Theater Grill at NJPAC, Maize or NJIT dining services. After graduation, the program helps with placement - they have a track record of 80% placement. Tuition, books and fees for the Culinary program are $5,500 - students may apply for financial aid.

"It's fun, exciting and a great learning experience," said Derek Culver, 44, of Newark, who will be graduating from the seven-month program in October. He hopes to one day become a chef on a cruise ship.



Automotive Training Center Program
Through a partnership with Ford Motor Company, students are prepared for entry-level positions in the automotive repair industry. Newark was the site of Ford's first Automotive Training Center - seven more have been replicated in the past 13 years. Students learn inside a 12,000 square foot facility with a full-service garage and contemporary equipment. The 12 month program is a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Upon completion, students receive a nationally recognized Ford Motor Company Maintenance & Light Repair Certification. There are two classes for students from 8am-12pm and 12pm-4pm. Tuition, Books and fees are $6000 - students may apply for financial aid.

Entrance Requirements:
For the Culinary and Auto programs, students must be at least 17 years of age on or before the first day of class. They must also take a basic admissions test for basic math and reading skills.
 

School of Practical Nursing
The NCC School of Practical Nursing offers a program equivalent to 16 months of study certified by the NJ Board of Nursing, students receive both classroom and hands-on clinical learning experiences in nursing homes and hospitals. The course of study for the program is 14 months and there is also a 6-week pre-nursing course that is required. Tuition for the nursing program is $12,100 and financial aid is available for those who qualify. The six-week pre-nursing course is an additional $500. Students must be at least 18 years old to enroll in the LPN program and take the Kaplan pre-admissions test. "I called and took the test and was able to enroll," said Nicole Lee of Elizabeth, who graduated from the program in January 2011 and is now working in the nursing field as a licensed practical nurse, or LPN.

For more information on these programs, contact:
NCC Workforce Development Center
201 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ
973-824-6484
www.newcommunity.org