ECC, East Orange Expand Dual Enrollment Opportunities

NEWARK, N.J. — Essex County College and the East Orange School District officially launched the Jaguar University Dual Enrollment Program during a joint press conference on June 4 at Essex County College.

The new initiative expands access to college-level coursework for East Orange students and builds on the longstanding partnership between the college and the school district.

Essex County College and East Orange School District leaders gathered June 4 to launch the Jaguar University Dual Enrollment Program, an initiative that expands opportunities for East Orange students to earn college credit while still in high school. Pictured from left are Dr. Elvira Vieira, Dr. Christopher Irving, Andrea McPhatter, Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, Ashley Peralta, Mayor Ted R. Green, Taniesha Whitaker and Dr. Hamin Shabazz.

Beginning July 6, participating students will have the opportunity to enroll in English 101 and Math 100 at East Orange Campus High School, allowing them to earn college credit while gaining experience with college-level expectations and coursework.

The inaugural summer session is expected to serve 50 students through two course sections. Classes will be taught by East Orange Campus High School teachers approved by Essex County College using ECC curriculum, e-texts and academic resources.

Essex County College President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye and East Orange School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Irving participate in a ceremonial signing recognizing the launch of the Jaguar University Dual Enrollment Program on June 4.

“Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to begin earning college credits earlier while building confidence before entering college,” said Dr. Augustine A. Boakye, president of Essex County College. “We are proud to work alongside the East Orange School District to expand access to college coursework and help students take meaningful steps toward their academic and career goals.”

Dr. Christopher Irving, superintendent of the East Orange School District, said the program represents a broader effort to remove barriers to higher education and create new opportunities for student success.

“The Jaguar University isn’t just a summer program; it’s a systemic shift in how we approach equity,” Irving said. “By removing the financial and navigational barriers that often stall college dreams, we are ensuring that a student’s ZIP code or background doesn’t dictate their destiny.”

The announcement brought together college leaders, school district officials and community stakeholders, including East Orange Board of Education President Andrea McPhatter and East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green.

Essex County College and East Orange School District leaders display Jaguar University shirts following the June 4 launch of the Jaguar University Dual Enrollment Program.

Essex County College and the East Orange School District have partnered on dual enrollment opportunities in previous years, with participation growing from 13 students in 2023-24 to 37 students in 2024-25. The Jaguar University Dual Enrollment Program represents the next step in expanding those opportunities and preparing students for success in higher education.

To learn more about dual enrollment opportunities available through Essex County College, visit the Pre-College Readiness page.