Sussex County Community College (SCCC) and Ramapo College of New Jersey have announced a new transfer agreement that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education right on the Sussex County Community College campus, creating a powerful, locally focused pathway to teacher certification and long-term workforce development in Sussex County.
Through this partnership, students can complete their Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts at SCCC and continue seamlessly into Ramapo’s Teacher Education Program, with junior- and senior-level courses taught by Ramapo faculty on the SCCC campus. Eligible students may also pursue a Master of Arts in Special Education in one additional year.
“This is a transformational moment for Ramapo College’s teacher education program,” said Dr. Adam Fried, Assistant Dean of Teacher Education at Ramapo College of New Jersey. “We now have an incredible opportunity to partner directly with school districts throughout Sussex County. Through our residency model, we can work closely with districts like Newton and Sparta, preparing future educators in the communities where they are most needed. This creates a true pathway for Sussex County students to stay local, complete their bachelor’s degree, and move directly into teaching careers right here at home.”
The agreement follows a 2+2+1 model, allowing students to begin, continue, and complete their undergraduate education in Sussex County which will eliminate the need for long commutes or relocation while reducing overall educational costs.
“This is an important strategic partnership for our region,” said Dr. Cory Homer, President of Sussex County Community College. “When there is a workforce need or concern in our County, especially in education, the College will do whatever is necessary to address that need, and together with partners like Ramapo, we are creating meaningful opportunities for our students and our local school districts.”
Students who complete the A.A. in Liberal Arts at SCCC with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and meet admission requirements will be accepted as juniors into Ramapo’s program. During their third and fourth years, students will take Ramapo courses delivered at SCCC, earning a bachelor’s degree awarded by Ramapo College of New Jersey while remaining connected to the Sussex County community.
According to Dr. Cindy Jebb, President of Ramapo College of New Jersey, the partnership reflects a broader vision for higher education in the state.
“When we think about the future of higher education in New Jersey, it comes down to trust and strong relationships,” said Dr. Jebb. “Our relationship with Sussex County Community College is built on that trust, and it’s the glue that allows us to create innovative agreements like this one. More importantly, it allows us to think strategically about how we best serve students while strengthening the workforce in the communities we share.”
The program includes coordinated advising, waived application and deposit fees for transferring students, joint recruitment efforts, and access to student services at both institutions. It is designed to support New Jersey’s growing need for certified educators while keeping students rooted in the communities they will ultimately serve.
For more information about the Elementary Education pathway, students are encouraged to contact Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator of Elementary/Secondary Education, Vicki Vigorito at vvigorito@sussex.edu.
