Hudson County Community College, in Partnership with
Hudson County Economic Development Corporation and Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, Launch New Small Business Internship Program
Initiative supports business growth and provides students with real-world experience.
Members of the Hudson County Community College-Hudson County Economic Development Corp. Internship Program Team, from left: (front row) Rosennies Feliz, HCEDC Marketing, Communications and Program Coordinator; Lori Margolin, HCCC Associate Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development; Haya Almahdy, HCCC Student Intern; Alejandro Fuenmayor, Owner, Cavany Foods; Alka Kustagi, AIA, Owner, CHB Interiors; Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC President; Michelle Richardson, HCEDC Executive Director; (back row) Elise White, SRL Enterprises, Workforce Program Director; Natalie Brown, HCCC Internship Coordinator; Mina Abdelmaseeh, HCCC Student Intern; and Destiny Knowles, HCCC Student Intern.
Hudson County Community College (HCCC) recently joined forces with the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) and the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation to launch an innovative small business internship program. This partnership will play a pivotal role in both supporting local businesses and real estate development while preparing the next generation of workforce leaders in Hudson County.
County Executive Craig Guy emphasized the importance of this collaboration, “The launch of this paid internship program to support the growth of local businesses and workforce development is a prime example of the forward-thinking opportunities Hudson County Government is committed to providing for our community. The HCCC-HCEDC partnership empowers students with valuable, real-world experience while helping dynamic local entrepreneurs gain the additional capacity they need to grow.”
Funded by a grant from the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation, the program offers paid internships for HCCC students, providing them with the opportunity to develop crucial professional skills in diverse industries. Talented interns are placed to advance projects in marketing, digital literacy, and social media strategy, with the goal to enhance commercial online and operational efficiency.
“At Citizens, we believe small businesses have the power to uplift communities and our team is committed to helping provide the resources and tools needed for them to succeed. We’re thrilled to help launch Hudson County Community College’s new small business internship program and look forward to seeing the impact that this new accessible career pipeline has for the businesses and future workforce of Hudson County,” said Danny Lee, Senior Vice President, District Sales Manager, Tri-State Metro at Citizens.
Additionally, through a collaboration with SRL Enterprises, a minority-owned compliance consulting firm, students gain valuable exposure to the real estate development sector. This partnership offers students hands-on experience with large-scale projects, including the Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex. This dynamic approach ensures that students not only apply their academic learning but also gain a deep understanding of the processes involved in major construction investments, giving them a well-rounded education that prepares them for a range of career opportunities.
Michelle Richardson, Executive Director of HCEDC, highlighted the significance of this program: “This partnership exemplifies how collaboration can strengthen our community’s economic ecosystem. The support from the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation allows us to provide our businesses and students with the resources they need to thrive.”
Dr. Christopher Reber, President of HCCC, also underscored the mutual benefits of the initiative: “The HCCC Internship Program is a win-win for everyone in Hudson County. It allows businesses to evaluate and train potential long-term employees, build a talent pipeline, and contribute to regional economic growth, all while providing students with the practical experience essential for their careers.”
This unique program integrating important and growing sectors is a testament to how government, higher education, workforce development, and community partnerships work together to create lasting opportunities for future generations. By fostering connections between students and local businesses, HCCC and its partners are building a stronger, more resilient Hudson County economy.