Provided/Atlantic Cape Community College cuts the ribbon on its new Innovation Center at the Mays Landing campus.
MAYS LANDING – Atlantic Cape Community College Friday, Feb. 9 officially unveiled its new state-of-the-art, technology laden Innovation Center on the Mays Landing campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by state and local dignitaries, Atlantic and Cape May County commissioners, and college faculty and staff.
Located adjacent to the college’s Student Center, which opened in February 2018, the Innovation Center was funded with a $4 million grant from New Jersey’s Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act and $1.33 million from Atlantic County. The center will provide instruction and services in esports, cybersecurity, computer forensics, game design and computer science. It is located inside the renovated Charles B. Boyer Hall (Building B2), which was constructed in 1967 and was one of the oldest original structures on the campus.
“This project has been in the making for a while and now our students have the technology needed to succeed and play their best,” Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba said. “With all of the technical degree programs offered here at Atlantic Cape it is imperative that we keep up with the latest industry demands and trends, and this Innovation Center is just one example of us supplying industry standards for our students.”
NJ Lt. Gov. Shiela Oliver with Atlantic Cape President Barbara Gaba.
To complete renovations to the entire 18,200-square-foot three building complex, which includes Silas Morse Hall (Building B1) and Samuel Richards Hall (Building B3), Atlantic Cape secured funds from Chapter 12 of the State of New Jersey’s Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund, while Atlantic County contributed 50% of the overall cost of the project. The rehabilitation of Morse and Richards Halls included renovating all classrooms, adding modern technology, high efficiency geothermal HVAC upgrades, new windows, energy efficient white roofs and interior finishes in Morse Hall and the creation of new faculty offices, kitchenette and lounge in Richards Hall, which had served as a classroom facility.
Atlantic Cape utilized modern technological advancements to ensure that the renovation of the three buildings adhered to current efficiency standards.
“We are proud that this facility is energy efficient with its many modern features,” Gaba said. “We value environmental sustainability and we respect the natural resources we have here in the Pinelands.”
State of New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver touted Atlantic Cape’s efforts to promote the future of the innovation economy, while also noting the positive role that community colleges play throughout the state.
Students will have the opportunity to obtain degress in esports, cybersecurity, computer forensics, game design and computer science.
“This center is about job creation and the jobs of the future are going to be in cybersecurity, esports and gaming. This Innovation Center is going to assist people in this area who are looking for a career path” Oliver said. “We are also huge promoters of community college education because of its affordability in preparing students who want to go directly into the workforce or move on to a four-year institution.”
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges said New Jersey’s community colleges are vehicles for innovation and economic opportunity, as the state collaborates with other stakeholders to ensure that 65% of New Jersey’s residents earn a higher education degree or credential by 2025.
“I applaud Atlantic Cape Community College for its bold leadership and foresight as it seizes this opportunity to contribute substantially to the workforce, grow new industries in the state and propel its students to the forefront,” Bridges said. “It is imperative that we redouble our efforts to cultivate a robust education to workforce ecosystem that provides students with valuable hands-on experience and clear pathways into promising careers. This Innovation Center is now another key component of that ecosystem.”
The Innovation Center is home to program course options that are in demand in the ever-changing, technologically-driven world of the 21st century.
The Cybersecurity degree is geared towards providing students with the career skills required for jobs in computer and information security, while focusing on data loss prevention, identity and access management, incident response and forensic analysis.
The Game Design and Development option is designed for students who exhibit a passion for gaming and are interested in a career in the industry. Students will learn game theory, graphics design, animation, 3D modeling and game programming.
The Esports option provides students with the knowledge of the basic concepts of the business side of esports, from the corporations that are hiring to the most influential leaders within the industry. Students will study business disciplines, review esports language, learn game design basics and components of the industry. This program option will prepare students, and provide them with the basic skills needed, to enter the esports industry at an introductory management level.
“We want to give our kids an opportunity to learn here, work here and live here,” NJ Sen. Vince Polistina said. “We want to position them for careers where they can stay in this region and be a part of the community.”
Robert Geist, chief of staff to NJ Sen. Michael Testa, presented Gaba with a Senate and General Assembly commemorative citation, and Atlantic County Commissioner John Risley presented her with a certification of recognition from the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners.
“The Innovation Center will be a stepping stone for all of our current and future students and will prepare them for the next step along their journey in their academic and professional aspirations,” Gaba said.
Visit www.atlantic.edu/innovation-center for more information. View more photos here.
