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We ALL Win with School Counts!
Through “School Counts!”, high school students can earn a certificate every year indicating that they are workforce ready upon graduation. Students earn the certificates by attending school regularly, achieving above average grades, and accomplishing more than the minimum graduation requirements and graduating on time.
Students can present their “School Counts!” certificates to over 450 area businesses who are participating in the program. The “School Counts!” business participants will guarantee certificate holders a job interview.
Students win because they learn the job skills they will need when they enter the workforce. Employers win because they get better educated, more skilled, workers who are then able to demonstrate their commitment and succeed on the job. Cumberland County wins because a more skilled workforce provides needed services, attracts new business development, and also helps communities retain established businesses.
The Cumberland County College Foundation views the “School Counts!” program as a vital, county-wide program that will enrich the quality of life in our region. The Foundation has pledged to raise over 2.6 million to provide two-year tuition scholarships to county residents who earn four consecutive “School Counts!” certificates while in high school.
A call to action throughout the community can help to ensure that we will be doing our part to make life better in Cumberland County. “School Counts!” stands for everything that’s right in our community – being positive, believing in each other and making a difference.
So parents, ensure that your children enroll in the program and encourage their commitment to school. Students, take the initiative to learn important job skills while earning a scholarship to Cumberland County College. Business leaders, continue your commitment so students can prepare themselves for fulfilling and rewarding careers in Cumberland County.
The importance of the “School Counts!” program has also extended to South Jersey Gas Company and the Vineland Electric Utility. Each organization has a check-off box on their monthly bills to help support the “School Counts!” endowment fund.
“School Counts!” Criteria:
- Attendance: Achieve 95% or better attendance and punctuality record
- Quality: Make a grade of “C” or better in all academic courses
- Rigor: Take more courses than the minimum graduation requirements and Algebra I*
- Persistence: Complete high school in eight consecutive semesters (four years)
For more information, please contact the Cumberland County College Foundation at (856) 691-8600, ext. 392 or you local high school guidance counselor office.
*Requirements effective for all students beginning 9th grade in 2003 and through subsequent years.
Students must enroll each year while in high school.
“School Counts!” is a workforce development program of the Cumberland Education Alliance and the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence at the New Jersey Chamer of Commerce that is supported by local employers and secondary schools.
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