Campus Resources
Counseling Services details
room KC409 / 609-570-3402 / counseling@mccc.edu
High School Equivalency / Adult Basic Education (HSE/ABE) - 609-570-3185
Mercer takes pride in providing comprehensive adult basic education programs designed to support community residents by enhancing their foundational skills and equipping them for success in the high school equivalency examination.
Our classes are conveniently located at our state of the art James Kerney Campus in downtown Trenton, and are scheduled throughout the year during morning, afternoon, and evening hours to accommodate diverse schedules. Whether you're looking to bolster your academic proficiency or seeking tailored preparation for the GED exam, Mercer is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment.
For a detailed understanding of our HSE Program, feel free to connect with us, and let's embark on this educational journey together. more details
English as a Second Language (ESL) - 609-570-3185
Our grant-funded ESL instruction at the historic James Kerney Campus caters to individuals wishing to learn English as their second language. Offering classes year-round in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, the ESL program focuses on preparing students for employment and job training, emphasizing language skills crucial for professional settings. The curriculum not only enhances language proficiency but also supports academic growth, with many continuing on with their education by earning their GED, attending trade school or even completing a certification program or earning their associate degree. The program provides a flexible and supportive learning environment, fostering cultural understanding and confidence. With a commitment to breaking language barriers, the ESL program is a valuable resource for those seeking employment, job training, or higher education opportunities.
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Bilingual Instruction
As needs are identified, some credit course sections at the James Kerney Campus are offered in a bilingual mode for students whose native language is Spanish. With English as the primary language, instructors use Spanish as needed to help students master course objectives.
Upward Bound Program
Through the federally funded Upward Bound Program, the college provides Trenton area high school students with college preparatory courses and tutoring as well as personal and career counseling. Upward Bound's primary purpose is to help students improve their grades and develop the skills needed for college or other programs of higher education. In addition, limited college credit courses are available to ease the transition from high school to college.
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GEAR UP
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)
GEAR UP is a 6 week summer and 20-week academic year program designed to assist students in 7th – 12th with graduating from high school and encouraging students to obtain college degrees by providing: after-school and Saturday tutoring, summer programs, mentoring, counseling, test preparation, information about financial aid, and access to college visits. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of taking rigorous high school courses to prepare for postsecondary education. NJ GEAR UP also provides professional development for educators within GEAR UP target schools.
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Educational Talent Search
Talent Search enrollees must be at least 12 years old, show academic potential and meet federal guidelines. Services such as tutoring and academic, career, personal and financial aid counseling, as well as job site and college visits are provided to 800 students each year. Talent Search clients are encouraged to enter, continue, or resume a program of study at the secondary or post-secondary level. Diagnostic testing and placement follow-up are integral components of the program.
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The Beverly A. Richardson Learning Center
The Beverly A. Richardson Learning Center provides a full range of instructional and testing services for students and members of the community. All Mercer County Community College students, public and private junior and senior high school students, adult learners, and people interested in improving their basic skills can attend classes or obtain individual tutoring in the Center. Subjects taught include English composition, reading, mathematics, and science.
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The Academic Testing Center
The Academic Testing Center, located in the Beverly A. Richardson Learning Center, provides students and staff with a variety of services. Students may take tests at their convenience in accordance with deadlines established by instructors. The center also administers the college skills placement test and specialized diagnostic tests.
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Campus History
From its roots as the Evening Drawing School in 1890, the James Kerney Campus (JKC) stands today as a testimony to educational leaders whose vision and persistence have created a dynamic educational institution. The JKC serves the changing needs of thousands of students seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth.
In 1972, the James Kerney Foundation of Trenton donated an acre of land on the corner of North Broad and Academy streets to house MCCC's James Kerney Center. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Aug. 23, 1974, and the building was dedicated on May 21, 1975. The immediately prior West State Street site -- purchased for the school in the early 1900s by Henry Cooper Kelsey, a former New Jersey Secretary of State -- was sold to the state and now houses Thomas A. Edison State College. Kelsey's name lives on at the college, however, in the acclaimed Kelsey Theater on the West Windsor campus.
On June 16, 1998, in Trenton, the James Kerney Center at North Broad and Academy Streets became the James Kerney Campus of Mercer County Community College. The new facility, at North Broad and West Hanover Streets, measures 19,000 square feet and is linked by a skywalk to the main building. It houses the JKC Career Training Institute, four computer labs with Internet access, nine classrooms, a business practice firm in which students apply learned office skills, a conference room, and office space for the New Jersey Department of Labor Employment Services. A 2,000-square-foot multipurpose activity area is available for student and community use. The Learning Center on the third floor bustles with activity six days a week, with students from ages seven to 80 making good use of the center's computers.
(see also full MCCC history)
Room Scheduling
For JKC credit and non-credit classroom scheduling, room rentals and assistance with campus arrangements, contact Natasha Bullock: bullockn@mccc.edu (609) 570-3160
