Morristown Unveils "College Promise" Initiative

New Partnership Aims to Equip Students with Resources for Higher Education Success.

MORRISTOWN, NJ - The Morris County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the County College of Morris (CCM) and the Morris School District, announced the introduction of the Morristown College Promise (MCP) Program at a press conference held at Morristown High School. The program's mission is to support motivated, low-income middle and high school students and their families by offering invaluable services, including mentoring and tutoring, ensuring they are college-ready.

The event saw participation from a range of local, state, and county officials. "As the community's college, CCM’s college promise programs are designed to ensure all students have access to a great education,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of CCM. “CCM, the Morris School District and the community are committed to ensuring more students are college ready, have access and can affordably achieve their educational and career goals."

Director John Krickus, Morris County Commissioner, who attended the event alongside Commissioners Christine Myers and Stephen Shaw, emphasized, “This program is an example of walking the talk in Morris County. It encourages students to not give up and helps them get beyond their obstacles.”

Highlighting the potential ripple effect of such programs, Sen. Anthony Bucco of District 25 said, “The partnerships like these that CCM has formed, put Morris County on the map and sets the stage for the rest of the state to follow. Setting these young minds on a path while still in high school alleviates the stress and fears of college and encourages them to go further with their education.”

MCP draws inspiration from the Dover College Promise, an initiative started by CCM in 2020, which has already benefited 19 students in their journey through high school and college. Dr. Anne Mucci, Superintendent of Schools for the Morris School District, pointed out, “The Morris School District serves a student body that is 35 percent first generation, and the Morristown College Promise Program takes direct aim at removing barriers through practical support systems that help guide students to a successful college experience and future career.”

Angelica Allen-McMillan, Ed.D., Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education, lauded the partnership, stating, “The partnership between CCM and Morris School District is a significant milestone in our commitment to education and the future of our youth. I am excited to see the transformational efforts of this collaboration and the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless students.”

CCM, recognized as the state's No. 1 for Best Associate Degrees and top-ranked for Transfer Students by Intelligent, initiated the Promise Programs in 2020. It plans to further these efforts, partnering with more high schools in Morris County. “CCM is thrilled to expand into Morristown and MCP would not be possible without community partnerships,” confirmed Iacono.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn of District 25 reflected on the broader implications of such initiatives, stating, “We talk about how we are in many ways reformatting post-secondary education to adapt to students’ needs, but there’s no question it remains the best investment we can make by helping students attend college.”

CCM acknowledged the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation for funding the program's expansion into Morristown and the Morris School District for its warm reception. Sarah Ahart, President of the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation, commented, “County College of Morris is a leader in connecting members of the community with available resources so they may thrive in all areas of life. The Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation is very proud to partner with the CCM Foundation in support of the expansion of the College Promise Program into Morristown, helping students and their families realize the potential their future may hold.”

For inquiries regarding MCP, Julian Gomez at CCM can be reached at (973) 328-5271 or jgomez@ccm.edu.

For more information about CCM's accolades and programs, visit www.ccm.edu.