School Counts! Is Back In Somerset and Hunterdon Counties
SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset Hunterdon Business and Education Partnership has excitedly accepted the challenge of becoming the Lead Agency for School Counts! in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. The program, a statewide initiative that holds students accountable for their performance during their high school years and challenges them to go above and beyond their perceived limitations, was formally coordinated by the Somerset Business Partnership.” Originally we were asked to co-coordinate the program. Due to the current restructuring of the Somerset Business Partnership, CEO/President, Jeff Horn, asked us to take the program over completely,” stated Joni Svoboda, Executive Director of the Business and Education Partnership. “I’m very pleased with the positive response from the Somerset Business Partnership since I took over in March,” quoted Svoboda. “Jeff and I both believe there is no reason to duplicate our efforts in Somerset County. Our mission is to create relationships between businesses and education to better prepare students for the ever-changing workforce,” cited Svoboda. “Jeff’s mission is to create business relationships for a stronger economic structure in Somerset County.”

Preparations are being made to launch the program in county schools September 2nd. School Counts! was launched in select New Jersey counties in 2000 by The State Chamber of Commerce. This workforce development program requires students in grades nine through twelve to maintain a “C” average or better, achieve a 95 percent attendance record, complete high school in eight consecutive semesters, and take more than the state-mandated graduation requirements. Students meeting these requirements at the end of each school year are awarded a certificate that can be presented to select employers as proof of reliability and dedication.

In the past, Somerville, Franklin, Somerset County Vocational, Bound Brook, North Hunterdon/Voorhees, Hunterdon Central, and Delaware Valley High Schools have been involved with School Counts!. North Plainfield High School is the newest addition. The Partnership is currently seeking businesses and schools to become a part of this workforce development program.

For more information on the School Counts! program, or if your business is interested in becoming a participating employer or contributor, please call The Partnership office at (908) 725-6032.