Hudson County Schools of Technology Celebrates 34 Students Earning Associate Degrees Before High School Graduation
Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) proudly celebrates 34 students from High Tech High School and County Prep High School who earned Associate Degrees through Hudson County Community College’s Early College Program prior to graduating from high school.
The students - including 32 seniors and 2 juniors - participated in Hudson County Community College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Through HCST’s partnership with Hudson County Community College (HCCC), students have the opportunity to earn up to 18 college credits per academic year and complete a full Associate Degree while simultaneously completing their high school studies. The program provides students with an opportunity to accelerate their academic goals, gain valuable college experience, and significantly reduce future college tuition costs.
Students earned Associate Degrees in Science & Mathematics and Environmental Studies while simultaneously completing HCST’s rigorous career and technical education programs.
This accomplishment reflects years of dedication and perseverance as students balance rigorous high school coursework, college-level classes, extracurricular activities, and career and technical education programming. The achievement also highlights HCST’s continued commitment to expanding access to advanced academic opportunities and preparing students for post-secondary success.
In addition to participating in the HCCC commencement ceremony, HCST hosted school-based celebrations recognizing the graduates alongside the teachers, school counselors and administrators who supported them throughout their journey. County Prep High School held its celebration on Monday, May 18, while High Tech High School hosted its celebration on Wednesday, May 20.
“The Early College Program with HCCC has been a transformative experience for students,” said County Prep College Liaison Nermeen Hanna-Avegno. “It encourages their academic growth, preparing them to take on the challenging coursework and rigor of college alongside meeting their high school requirements and participating in extracurricular activities. This experience cultivates confidence, resilience, commitment, and independence while helping students successfully navigate both high school and college expectations. It truly bridges their transition from high school to college and gives them a head start on a college experience they are not just prepared for, but ready to excel in.”
The Early College Program is open to all students attending High Tech High School and County Prep High School and continues to provide meaningful opportunities to earn college credits and degrees while enrolled in high school.
“This year marked a record number of Hudson County high school students earning associate degrees, and HCST continues to lead the way in expanding access to these opportunities,” said Dr. Christopher Conzen, Executive Director of the Secaucus Center and Early College Program. “HCST was proud to have the first graduating class in 2020 with High Tech students earning associate degrees in Environmental Studies, and this year we are especially excited to celebrate our first cohort of County Prep High School students completing the program as well. These accomplishments reflect the tremendous dedication of our students, families, teachers, counselors, and administrators, all working together to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to earn a college degree while still in high school.”
Yousef Mohammed, who is part of the HCCC Early College Program, is graduating from High Tech High School after earning his Associate Degree from HCCC.
“The Early College program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience because it allowed me to challenge myself academically while earning college credits at the same time,” said Mohammed. “Through HCCC, I was able to explore advanced coursework, build stronger study habits, and gain confidence in my ability to succeed in a college environment before graduating from high school.”
HCST congratulates all 34 students on this remarkable achievement and thanks Hudson County Community College, faculty, school counselors, teachers, administrators, and families for their continued partnership and support.
