College Community Partnership: Degree and Micro-Credential Pathways - July 2026 Newsletter

The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance continues to partner with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) to expand educational and workforce development opportunities across the YMCA movement in New Jersey.

Through this initiative, the Alliance is working with all 18 community colleges in the state to build a statewide pathway for YMCA staff and members to pursue Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees and stackable micro-credentials at their local community college. Micro-credentials allow learners to earn focused, job-aligned skills in a shorter timeframe, and credits can often be stacked toward a full AAS degree over time.

This partnership supports YMCA staff in advancing their careers and gives YMCA members a local, affordable route to new skills and credentials. Many eligible New Jersey residents may also qualify for tuition-free community college through the Community College Opportunity Grant (NJ Promise), making these pathways accessible to a wide range of participants.

By connecting YMCAs with community colleges in every region, this collaboration strengthens the Alliance's commitment to education access, workforce development, and long-term career advancement in the communities we serve.

YMCA staff and members interested in learning more about degree or micro-credential opportunities in their county can email njymca@njyalliance.org for additional information.