Academy of Culinary Arts Class of 2023 Alumna Jocelyn Caceres Named New Jersey’s 2024 Pathway Scholarship Recipient

MAYS LANDING — Jocelyn Caceres, a member of Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts Class of 2023, has been selected as the State of New Jersey’s 2024 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar recipient. Caceres will be recognized during the Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) Leadership Congress in Seattle, WA in October.

Caceres, who resides in Pleasantville, NJ and earned her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Culinary Arts, will receive a $1,500 scholarship, which is the first of its kind to support students at associate degree-granting institutions of higher learning on a national scale as they plan to enter the workforce upon completion of their degree or certificate.

“Being named the 2024 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar is a testament to all my hard work and dedication that I have put towards my education and career path. I am immensely honored to receive this astonishing award and to make Atlantic Cape proud,” said Caceres, who is currently working and utilizing her culinary arts and hospitality education. “This scholarship is a generous blessing. I hope to put it to good use in furthering my career and potentially picking up some new classes to help me reach my goals.”

New Century Workforce Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Over 2,200 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Workforce Scholar is selected from each state.

“We congratulate Jocelyn for receiving this prestigious scholarship and we are honored to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation to recognize her outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral to creating opportunities for students to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce and for putting college completion within reach.”

Caceres’ PTK advisor, Professor Stephanie Natale-Boianelli, spoke in glowing terms of her former student.

“I had the privilege to work with Jocelyn, not only as her PTK advisor, but also as her professor. Jocelyn is a critical and creative thinker with a strong work ethic and an upbeat, caring personality,” said Natale-Boianelli. “One of the secrets of Jocelyn’s success is her ability to see every experience as an opportunity, and fully investing herself in it while honing and expanding her skills. Jocelyn has been a standout student at Atlantic Cape, and the New Century scholarship is a well-deserved recognition and support of her talents as she starts her career.”

The New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa. More than 2,200 applications were received and evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service, and significant endeavors. Caceres received the highest score in the State of New Jersey.

“Thank you to all those who have supported me and believed in me. Receiving this award wouldn’t have been possible without all of you. Working with people is what I love to do and I hope that one day I am given the opportunity to give back to my community,” concluded Caceres.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 33 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.