Recent improvements including The Perch Cafe & Eatery and conference center provide students with more opportunities, experiences and connections to jumpstart future success
The front of the new Conference Center at Cape Tech, made possible in part by 14 million in state grant money.
Cape May Court House, NJ – Cape May County Technical School (Cape Tech) unveiled new spaces this school year to support students’ career-focused learning. The Perch Cafe and a state-of-the-art conference center are among the district’s completed projects, and many others will come to fruition over the next year. The expansion plan is funded by the state’s Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act to grow student capacity and adjust programming to benefit both Cape May County students and employers.
The cafe and conference center are not only learning spaces for students but are community resources. The student-run cafe and eatery, The Perch, opened in July and serves delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches to patrons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays. The Perch is already a favorite among Cape May Tech families, staff and local community members who are quick to fill the tables each day. It also offers online ordering and easy pick-up options.
Cape Tech’s conference center was renovated to now offer the newest technology, equipment and features to those looking to rent the 240-seat room. The conference center opened in the spring and hosted the second annual county-wide In-Service Day. More than 200 educators attended the event.
“Our students and staff are excited to see the improvements,” said Cape Tech Superintendent Jamie Moscony. “The renovations allow us to grow and provide our students with even more real-world experiences and opportunities to build relationships with advisory board members and business partners. We have something for everyone here at Cape May Tech. Our goal is to provide equitable access to programming for students and help prepare them for the future- whether it be college or career.”
Students in Cape Tech’s Hospitality and Tourism Program also look forward to planning large events and will have the opportunity to participate in real world experiences and work-based learning using the new 240 seat conference center and 7-room hotel located at Cape Tech.
The inside of The Perch, a new cafe at Cape Tech.
Other renovations will provide spaces for newly added career programs including dental assisting, cybersecurity, medical assisting, electrical trades and veterinary sciences. The veterinary sciences program will partner with the local Animal Welfare Society and the Cape May County Zoo.
An 80-seat Esports arena complete with the most advanced technology, numerous gaming consoles and a modern stage and lighting will be available for students in May 2025. After participating in the Esports state championship tournament, Cape Tech students are looking forward to further developing their gaming skills in the new arena. The building will also be used as a hub to provide training and workshops for Esports college advisors.
In addition, Cape Tech is updating its boat house and dock to expand program offerings to include marine maintenance. The improvements will benefit numerous other programs, too, such as environmental science and sustainability, welding, carpentry and more.
“Our district seized the opportunity provided by the state to grow in a thoughtful, strategic way, and we are now seeing many Bond Act-funded projects and program additions reach the finish line,” said Moscony. “Our goal is to provide our students with training that is especially relevant for Cape May County to support both our local and state economies. We also want to ensure our students remain engaged and supported as they build their futures.”
The Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act was passed by New Jersey voters in 2018, setting aside grant funding to support the expansion of career-focused education. Cape Tech received nearly $4.3 million in the first round of grant funding, and more than $14.45 million in the second round to fund projects important to the school and surrounding communities.
Cape Tech will host its annual Open House on Oct. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the main building along with the Conference Center. The Open House is a chance for students and their families to explore, learn, and start transforming their future while discovering how they can jumpstart their college and career success with Cape Tech. The event will feature tours hosted by current students and staff, presentations on program opportunities and a chance to ask questions.
For more information on Cape May County Technical School, visit https://www.capemaytech.com.
This story originally appeared Sept. 30, 2024 in the Cape May County Herald.
