Atlantic Cape Hosts Students from Area High Schools During College Awareness Day on Mays Landing Campus

MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College welcomed more than 250 local students from nine Atlantic and Cape May County high schools and groups to learn all about the various academic pathways that are available to them at the College and can possibly lead to exciting professional careers during College Awareness Day on the Mays Landing campus on April 11.

“It is all about you today, your future, your dreams and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for you. Whether you are already thinking about college or just beginning to explore your options, today is the perfect chance to learn, ask questions and imagine what’s possible at Atlantic Cape,” said Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Josette Katz. “Atlantic Cape offers flexibility, affordability and opportunity. We are a powerful launching pad for students from all backgrounds, whether you are aiming for a four-year degree, a skilled trade, healthcare career or just trying to figure out your next step.”

Keynote speaker Danielle Epps, assistant vice president of enrollment management at Bowie State University in Maryland and an Atlantic City native, engaged the students, motivated them to think about their futures in small group discussions and discover how education can help them achieve their goals.

“You should have ideas of what you may want to do, but some of you may not have a full understanding of how education can help propel you to get there. One of the things that my MBA (Master of Business Administration Degree) opened to me is the ability to teach and the ability to teach other students about business because I had all of these experiences,” said Epps, who earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing at Kean University and her master’s degree at the University of Phoenix. “I moved a lot. I have lived in North Jersey, South Jersey, Miami and Maryland, but every opportunity opened me up and prepared me for where I am today.”

Following opening remarks and the keynote address, the day’s itinerary featured nine workshops hosted by Atlantic Cape professors from each respective academic pathway that is offered at the College – Aviation, Business, Culinary/Hospitality, Education, Engineering, CISM, Nursing, STEM, Social/Behavioral Sciences and Writing/Arts/Humanities.

The students were given the opportunity to select the workshops that best fit their educational interests and provide each of them the experience of what it is like to spend a day as a college student on an Atlantic Cape campus.

Professors Dr. Karl Giulian and Michelle Togashi, respectively, discussed the world of business and explored the Innovation Center’s new state-of-the-art Esports lab. Chef Educator Annmarie Chelius from the Academy of Culinary Arts created a buttercream topping and explored classic sandwich creation. Professor Dr. Bojan Zilovic delved into the world of cryptography time travel. Professor Dr. Chris Carbone presented Tiny Treasures: A Dive into Pond Microorganisms. The Nursing department displayed its simulation lab and Aviation Chair Tim Cwik demonstrated drone technology in the STEM Building.

Dr. Katz iterated to the students the many reasons why Atlantic Cape is the preferred choice of high school students throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties.

“Community colleges are one of the most cost-effective ways to earn a degree. Tuition is much lower than most four-year universities. We are right here in your community and we have online options, and offer day, evening and weekend classes. It’s education on your schedule. You will also find smaller class sizes, dedicated professors and support services like free tutoring, counseling and career guidance. You will be part of a diverse, welcoming environment where people genuinely care and want you to succeed.”

The students in attendance represented Atlantic City High School, Atlantic County Institute of Technology, Charter Tech High School for the Performing Arts, Eagle Academy, Middle Township High School, Oakcrest High School, Ocean City High School, Pleasantville High School and the New Jersey Give Something Back Program.

View a Flickr photo gallery of this event here.

Visit atlanticcape.edu/pathways for more information on Atlantic Cape’s academic major programs available at all three campus locations and online.

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 46 undergraduate degree programs, and 32 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County 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.