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CCS Program Information
The CCS program is designed to provide academic, vocational and social experiences for young adults in a highly a supportive yet challenging campus environment. A student-centered plan will be developed for each student through their participation in the Personal Exploration 101 course. Specific objectives will be developed and assessed through course work in four central areas; liberal studies, vocational development, independent life and socialization /leisure. Students will receive support through trained mentors (specific to this program) while they participate in a variety of coursework and field based experiences on and off campus. This course of study may be focused toward specific career and/or social objectives, and may be taken to complete a certificate in Career and Community Studies. (CCS students will accumulate only CCS credits and will not matriculate into the TCNJ accredited system) Portfolio development will be on-going and result in both a certificate of completion and digital portfolio. Projected student outcomes will include; student satisfaction and self awareness, career identification and vocational skill development, social skill enhancement, self advocacy, and greater community independence.
High school students interested in participating in the CCS program for transition services may also apply. Please note that participation in the CCS program at TCNJ does not represent a full-time secondary educational program and is not intended to provide all program services that may be detailed in a students Individualized Education Program.
The Certificate in Career and Community Studies
The CCS Certificate is designed to be completed in 4 years of full-time study. The 146 credit certificate comprises of CCS core coursework, independent study, internships, or electives. The core coursework is designed to prepare young adults for meaningful careers and for adult roles in their communities. Independent study courses include experiences and skill development reflecting the individual interests and goals of students. . Internships may involve a wide variety of vocational experiences on or off campus. Elective courses may involve enrollment in or audit of a wide range of coursework offered at TCNJ or another postsecondary institution.
The Student Portfolio
To complete the certificate program, students are required to construct a portfolio of permanent products that demonstrates their learning in a variety of formats. Students may elect to use written products, sound and video recording, visual representations, and artifacts (articles, brochures, etc.). Student portfolios will be evaluated by a faculty committee using standard criteria (rubric).It is our intent that student portfolios will have functional value as students apply for employment.
