Thomas Edison State University (TESU) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) officially celebrated the completion of a landmark partnership, marking a major win for high school students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the state.
The initiative, fueled by $250,000 in Federal Perkins Leadership Funds, allows students to transform their high school technical training, industry credentials, and workplace experience into tangible college credits through TESU’s specialized review process.
At the heart of the partnership is TESU’s Professional Learning Review (PLR). This process evaluates nontraditional learning—like carpentry, technical trades, and health care training—to determine how much college credit it is worth.
For students, this means a “head start” that can range from 6 to 40 college credits before they even step onto a college campus.
“Thomas Edison State University was founded on the principle that learning should be recognized wherever and however it occurs,” Merodie Hancock, president of TESU, said. “We are affirming the rigor and value of CTE programs and creating clear, affordable pathways for students.”
The impact of this model isn’t just academic—it’s financial. A similar pilot program with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters already allows students to earn up to 16 credits, potentially saving families up to $7,000 in tuition costs.
Common degree paths for these students include:
- Associate in Applied Science in Construction and Facilities Support
- Bachelor of Science in Construction
- Bachelor of Science in Technical Studies
With the pilot phase complete, the program is moving into a statewide expansion. A newly launched website now serves as a roadmap for other CTE schools across New Jersey to join the initiative.
Dr. Jorden Schiff, assistant commissioner at the NJDOE, emphasized the scale of the opportunity: “We are opening doors to anywhere from six to 40 college credits, giving students a powerful head start on their higher-education and career journeys.”
By aligning high school curricula with industry standards and university requirements, the NJDOE and TESU aim to bolster New Jersey’s workforce while making a degree more attainable for the next generation of skilled professionals.
