Hudson County Schools of Technology students Hazelle Glinoga and Astrid Diaz build cornhole boards for an upcoming fundraiser.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, students across New Jersey’s county vocational-technical schools are engaged in hands-on learning to support their communities. From planning and serving a Thanksgiving dinner for the U.S. Coast Guard to restoring a home flooded during Hurricane Ida, the high school students are uniquely positioned to give back in meaningful ways as they continue to hone both technical and professional skills through their curriculum.
“Applied learning is an essential component of Career and Technical Education so students understand how to connect their skills for real-world applications,” said Jackie Burke, executive director of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools (NJCCVTS). “It’s a win-win when our students’ learning involves projects and events that have a positive impact on the community.”
New Jersey’s 21 county vocational-technical schools have an ideal structure for engaging students in these types of community projects. Classrooms are equipped with professional tools and technology; instructors transition into these classrooms right from industry to train and guide students; and the dedicated time each day for CTE enables students to collaborate and see projects through from start to finish.
Chef Lynn Bourinaris, an instructor in the Culinary Arts Department at Sussex County Technical School, said her department has developed long standing relationships with community organizations that seek help providing food and a little extra cheer this time of year.
“Our department has partnered with several charities in our community that reach out to us for help with preparation and service for food to go along with gatherings that assist homeless, low-income and struggling families,” she said. Additionally, Chef Bourinaris said the department has cooked for and donated gingerbread houses to area senior living communities.
She explained that the experience is rewarding for those who enjoy the food, and also the students involved. “They are learning the beauty of reaching out to the community for no self gain and contributing their talents to give back.”
Additional community projects involving New Jersey’s county vocational-technical schools include:
Cumberland County Technical Education Center
For the past seven years, CCTEC has participated in the Coast Guard Thanksgiving, a tradition initiated by Dr. John Burns, a former assistant principal in the district and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. CCTEC staff and Foundation Board members join local volunteers to assist with this annual event. CCTEC Culinary Arts students assist with the meal preparation, gaining valuable experience in planning, teamwork and large-scale meal execution. Students work in collaboration with experienced chefs, which enhances their culinary techniques and adds to their professionalism. The event also reinforces the importance of building community connections to both add fulfillment and build a support network within a career. Several students also volunteer to serve the meal and witness the results of their efforts.
Chef Rob Ohlsen, center, poses with Dr. John R. Burns, far left, who is a retired Cumberland County Techncial Education Center assistant principal. They are pictured with an attendee of the 2023 Thanksgiving feast at the US Coast Guard Base in Cape May.
This year’s Coast Guard Thanksgiving is on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Hudson County Schools of Technology
Both Wood Technology and Industrial Design and Animation students from Hudson County Schools of Technology are participating in a Work-Based Learning course, during which they are designing and manufacturing 10 sets of cornhole boards. The boards will be used in a Summer 2025 tournament, with all proceeds benefitting the Chopper 2002 Foundation. The Foundation presents an annual scholarship to a North Bergen High School graduate in honor of Chris Amoroso, a Port Authority officer who died in the World Trade Center attack.
The Hudson County students are working together under the guidance of both their instructors and Eastern Millwork, Inc., a business partner of the Wood Technology program. Eastern Millwork professionals meet with students to ensure successful design, fabrication and quality control. The students are taking pride in their work, which will become the centerpieces of the fundraiser tournament.
Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School
A group of Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTHS) Carpentry students recently assisted a crew from the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity with a home restoration project in Manville.
The house was flooded during Hurricane Ida and the floors on the first level of the home were heavily damaged. The owner had been living in the house, but conditions had deteriorated to the point where it was becoming dangerous to use the first floor rooms, including the living room and the kitchen. Students, along with Carpentry Instructor Dan LaRue, SCVTHS Supervisor of CTE Robert Carrig, and Cooperative Education Coordinator Gerald Mazzetta, worked with a crew of Habitat employees and volunteers laying subfloor in the home in preparation for installation of new laminate flooring.
Connect for a Good Cause:
Organizations looking to partner with a county vocational-technical school on a community project or event should start by locating their county school at https://careertechnj.org/become-an-employer-partner/.
