Stockton University has officially teamed up with WeCare4®, a national leader in caregiver support, to address a burgeoning crisis in the “sandwich generation” and the professional eldercare sector. The partnership aims to bridge a critical gap in New Jersey’s health care infrastructure by creating the state’s most comprehensive educational and certification pipeline for both family and professional caregivers.
Through this collaboration, Stockton’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Stockton Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA) will work alongside WeCare4® to develop “stackable” micro-credentials, professional certifications, and a first-of-its-kind “Trusted Advisor” program.
Recognizing that caregivers—whether family members or professionals—often struggle with time constraints, the partnership is launching a suite of high-quality, on-demand online courses. These modules allow learners to customize their education based on immediate needs, such as dementia care, elder law, or mental health support.
New co-branded certifications include:
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WeCare Certificate in Professional Eldercare (WCPE): Designed for health care workers seeking to specialize in geriatric care.
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WeCare Trusted Advisor™ Certificate (WTAC): A specialized credential for students and professionals to guide families through the complexities of aging and long-term care.
“This collaboration allows Stockton to showcase our expertise in aging and applied education while creating flexible, evidence-based learning opportunities that respond to real-world challenges,” Christine Ferri, director of SCOSA said.
The partnership isn’t just for students. Stockton faculty, staff, and alumni will gain access to the WeCare4® Trusted Advisor™ Program and a dedicated Job Board/Career Center. Furthermore, the initiative targets New Jersey employers, offering caregiver support programs through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to help working professionals manage the stress of caring for aging loved ones.
The launch comes as New Jersey faces a rapidly aging population, with data suggesting a significant increase in the “caregiver support gap.”
The initiative has received strong backing from Stockton’s leadership, who view the partnership as a vital extension of the university’s community mission.
“We look forward to supporting a noble and impactful mission to help caregivers and their loved ones,” Michael Palladino, Stockton’s provost and vice president for academic affairs said. Carol Greco, WeCare4® founder and CEO, added that the partnership will “fill a critical gap in the resources available to the caregiver community.”
The online micro-credential program is expected to begin enrollment later this spring, with content developed by gerontology and psychology specialists from both organizations.
