Hunterdon Central and RVCC Join Together for Special Dual Enrollment Partnership

Flemington, NJ - Hunterdon Central Regional High School and Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) have joined together to create a special dual enrollment partnership for students who enroll in the high school’s Biomedical Science Academy through its Magnet Program.

Starting with the incoming Class of 2030, students taking the Biomedical Science Magnet Academy courses can earn up to 33 college credits while attending Hunterdon Central. Following their high school graduation, students can then matriculate to RVCC and complete the Associate of Science degree in Health Science in as little as one year.

“Raritan Valley Community College’s expanded partnership with Hunterdon Central Regional High School is a wonderful example of the College’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to students and helping them reduce their higher education costs,” said Shay Wadher, Director of K-12 Partnerships, Raritan Valley Community College.

Students follow a guided course sequence to complete the Biomedical Science Magnet Academy, with all of the courses approved by RVCC to earn college credit. Each semester, students can apply for dual enrollment with RVCC, not only earning college credits but doing so at a reduced tuition rate, at $240 per course (subject to change annually) for classes taken at the high school. Students pay full tuition and fees once they matriculate to RVCC, with significant cost savings over four-year schools. Credits from RVCC transfer to state colleges and universities as well as many others across the country and even abroad. Students finishing the Associate of Science degree also have a leg up on transferring to the four-year college or university of their choice to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

“This exciting expansion of our partnership with RVCC offers students a unique bridge to their future: they can dive deep into subjects they love, such as biomedical sciences, and experience college-level rigor with the safety net of high school support. This new program also offers families significant savings on tuition. Plus, for those who finish their associate degree at RVCC, it creates a clear, reliable pathway to top-tier schools like Rutgers University,” said Dr. Matthew Hall, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Hunterdon Central Regional High School District.

The biomedical science courses offered at Hunterdon Central and continuing at RVCC provide students with an in-depth understanding of health science and that industry, giving them increased career readiness upon their college graduation. “The collaboration between RVCC and Hunterdon Central strengthens the talent pipeline for students interested in pursuing education and training in healthcare and health-related fields. This initiative builds on the strong programs within both institutions and helps increase access and opportunity for Hunterdon Central students. The partnership will help students graduate with confidence and momentum toward future study. It also demonstrates a shared commitment between Hunterdon Central Regional High School and RVCC to invest in the next generation of health professionals,” said Dr. Drue Stapleton, Dean of Health Sciences, Raritan Valley Community College.

The first step for students in the incoming Class of 2030 wanting to take advantage of this unique opportunity is to work with their school counselor to request enrollment in the Biomedical Science Magnet Academy courses and then follow the sequencing each year. Academies offered through Hunterdon Central’s Magnet Program require no application or entrance exam. The academies provide students with opportunities to pursue specialized programs that empower them to focus on a particular passion or career area - all while staying at Hunterdon Central. Each academy consists of a sequence of three or four courses, “a pathway of experience,” and includes opportunities for dual enrollment or articulated college credit, an industry-valued credential, or both. Most of the academies have an introductory course so students from any academic level can pursue an academy.

Hunterdon Central Regional High School offers over 50 courses that have dual enrollment agreements with state institutions, such as Seton Hall University, Stockton University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rider University, in addition to Raritan Valley Community College.

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