TRENTON – Mercer County Community College (MCCC) has announced the launch of a Liberal Arts degree program at the James Kerney Campus, expanding access to learning opportunities for students in Trenton and strengthening student pathways to four-year institutions. Located within one of Mercer County’s most accessible transit points – with bus lines just steps away – the campus offers convenient access for students across the region.

The program rollout is supported by a three-year, $150,000 grant from Achieving the Dream’s Transforming Community College Through the Humanities initiative, funded by the Mellon Foundation. MCCC was one of just five colleges nationwide selected for the award.

The grant will support faculty and curriculum development, as well as paid internships for James Kerney Campus students, which help to remove a significant barrier for students who must balance work and study and make meaningful, high-quality experiential learning more accessible. The program is designed to connect students with community-based internships to deepen their understanding of how liberal arts and humanities cultivate critical 21st century preprofessional skills, expanding students’ options and opportunities as they navigate a rapidly changing employment landscape.

“This is an important step forward in expanding access to high-quality education for our Trenton community,” said Dr. Deborah E. Preston, President, MCCC. “The humanities play a critical role in fostering critical thinking, civic responsibility, cultural awareness and workforce-related skills, particularly for the diverse, first-generation and adult learners we serve at our James Kerney Campus. Now, students can pursue an associate degree at either MCCC location.”

The James Kerney Campus traces its roots back to 1890, where it began as the Trenton Drawing School, reflecting the evolving educational and career needs of the community. The current campus location was established in 1998 in recognition of the continuing demand for educational opportunities in Trenton.

Students may begin pursuing a Liberal Arts Associate of Arts degree this fall, with courses available fully in-person. Applications for the fall semester are now open. Interested students are encouraged to complete the brief online form at https://www.mccc.edu/la-jkc. There will also be two Open House events on Thursday, July 16 from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for students interested in the program. Scholarship opportunities may be available for eligible students.

“The humanities provide students with the learning experiences needed to succeed in today’s world,” said Dr. Cruz-Cullari, dean, MCCC Liberal Arts Division. “Students will develop a strong knowledge base, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will lead to sustainable and meaningful employment.”

For more information about Liberal Arts at James Kerney Campus, please visit https://www.mccc.edu/la-jkc.

About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the challenging needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. The MCCC President is Deborah E. Preston, PhD. Visit www.mccc.edu for more information.

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Pictured here from left to right: Dr. Robert Schreyer, MCCC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Cruz-Cullari, MCCC Liberal Arts Division Dean; Margo Chaly, Esq., Acting Secretary of Higher Education; Dr. Deborah E. Preston, MCCC President; Dan Benson, Mercer County Executive; James Earle, Trenton Public School District Superintendent.