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 JERSEY CITY, N.J. |  (NJCU) and the  (SHCCNJ) are proud to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will  create new educational and professional opportunities for NJCU students and the Hispanic business community. This strategic partnership will also facilitate the expansion of SHCCNJ's Hispanic Business Hub to NJCU’s campus at the expense of SHCCNJ.

The collaboration will help create internship programs for students at SHCCNJ member businesses, use of NJCU facilities for business activities, and the development of entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives. NJCU and SHCCNJ will collaborate to research, develop, and advocate for policies aimed at addressing challenges faced by Hispanic-owned businesses.

The agreement is structured around several key objectives, including: 

1. Strengthening educational and professional opportunities for NJCU students and the Hispanic business community.
2. Enhancing collaboration on workforce development and entrepreneurship initiatives.
3. Establishing internship programs that connect NJCU students with SHCCNJ member businesses.
4. Facilitating the use of NJCU’s facilities for SHCCNJ events and business activities.
5. Expanding SHCCNJ’s Business Hub to NJCU’s campus.

Internships will be designed to provide real-world experience across various industries, with efforts made to ensure that placements align with students’ academic and professional goals. The internships will also offer compensation and academic credit where applicable.

The expansion of SHCCNJ’s headquarters to NJCU is a significant milestone in this partnership, symbolizing the deepened connection between the university and the Hispanic business community. SHCCNJ will have access to NJCU’s facilities for hosting workshops, seminars, and networking events, further supporting local businesses and professionals.

The partnership will also align programmatically in areas such as entrepreneurship, business development, financial literacy, digital skills, and professional training, with a special focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo expressed his excitement about the new partnership, stating: "This MOU represents an exciting and mutually beneficial collaboration between NJCU and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of ��ɫ����. Together, we will build pathways for our students to access valuable professional experiences and internships, while also contributing to the growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses throughout the state. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to workforce development, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, and we look forward to the many opportunities this collaboration will create for our students and the broader business community."
 

SHCCNJ Chairman Luis O. De La Hoz said: "Our partnership with NJCU is a milestone that amplifies our commitment to the Hispanic entrepreneurs we serve, from the New York tri-state area to a global marketplace. With NJCU, we gain a unique platform to elevate business and educational opportunities, creating a ripple effect of growth and success for Hispanic-owned businesses and future leaders."

"As President of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of ��ɫ����, I am thrilled about this monumental partnership with ��ɫ����,” added Carlos Medina. “Establishing the Hispanic Business Hub @ NJCU signifies a new chapter for the Chamber and a bold step forward in expanding opportunities for the Hispanic business community and future generations of entrepreneurs. Together, we will foster innovation, create impactful educational programs, and drive economic growth that reflects the vibrant diversity of our state.”

This partnership underscores NJCU’s commitment to fostering educational excellence, economic development, and community empowerment through strategic collaborations with key partners such as SHCCNJ.

��ɫ���� SHCCNJ:
The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of ��ɫ���� (SHCCNJ) is the premier organization representing the interests of Hispanic-owned businesses in ��ɫ����. With a focus on economic development, advocacy, and workforce development, SHCCNJ is dedicated to promoting the success of Hispanic entrepreneurs and professionals across the state.

��ɫ���� NJCU: 
��ɫ���� is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, ��ɫ����, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of ��ɫ����.

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Contact: 
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301