Mastery High School of Camden (MHSC) is set to expand its postsecondary preparation offerings thanks to a $75,000 Innovation Dual Enrollment Grant from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. The funding was awarded as part of a statewide effort to increase college access for students in underresourced communities and is set to strengthen the school’s partnership with Camden County College. 

With the goal of giving students the autonomy to choose a career pathway they can confidently transition into, MHSC’s dual enrollment program provides exposure and opportunities to earn college credits and industry training. “When I found out we received the grant, I cried,” said Assistant Principal of Postsecondary Success Layla Helwa. “It’s so exciting and invigorating to know that the hard work that we put into our workforce development program is being recognized at the state level. Our grant is specifically geared toward expanding workforce development opportunities for students, because they  are in such high demand here.” 

Through the current partnership with Camden County College, MHSC students can earn an associate degree in applied science or participate in the dual-enrollment program part-time, taking up to five college courses during their senior year. Students can also take several courses through the college’s automotive technology program. With this new grant, the school can now expand offerings to sophomores and juniors, exposing students to college and career readiness earlier. Additionally, the funding will add more seats to the automotive technology program and bring two college-level courses, English 101 and Introduction to Business, on-site with instruction directly from college professors. 

For many families in Camden, the path to higher education can be hindered by obstacles. Ana Ramirez, the career path advisor at MHSC, emphasizes that the grant will directly address some of the challenges MHSC families face. “The grant will help address key barriers to postsecondary access by reducing financial, academic, and informational obstacles,” she shared. “By covering the cost of college coursework and providing structured academic and career support, students are able to earn college credits at no cost while still in high school.” 

Beyond financial support, the grant is designed to expose students to college-level instruction and hands-on technical training, giving them the confidence needed to successfully navigate college and the career pathway of their choosing. MHSC was one of four schools selected to receive postsecondary funding. School leaders are thrilled that this grant presents an opportunity to further Mastery’s mission of helping students succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams.