Essex County College celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its new Center for Technology (CFT) on September 16, 2026 at the college’s Newark Campus. The newly renovated center was made possible in part through a $4 million grant from the State of New Jersey, awarded under the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act’s Career and Technical Education Program Expansion Grants, and represents a significant investment in career and technical education, workforce development, and student success.
What’s Inside
The Center for Technology features modern learning spaces, new computers, engineering 3D printers, and other state-of-the-art educational technology designed to give students hands-on learning opportunities and prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven workforce.
ECC President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye said: “The new Center for Technology will improve our student experience with new computers, engineering 3D printers, and state-of-the-art technology, keeping our students at the forefront of the tech world. Today is a proud day for the college. It represents our belief in our students and an investment in their dreams, talents, ambitions, and the future they will help build.”
A Ribbon-Cutting With Local Officials and Students
The ceremony brought together college leadership, elected officials, project partners, and campus community members, including Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos, ECC Board of Trustees Chairperson Dr. Arnold C. Lewis, and representatives from Netta Architects and Allegheny Educational Systems.
Essex County Executive Hon. Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. congratulated the college on the opening: “I am proud of the investments we are making to modernize ECC and provide our students with up-to-date educational facilities in which to learn.”
Kelvin Annor Poku, an ECC Computer Science major, offered a student’s perspective: “This is a dream come true for us. Today, we celebrate much more than a renovated building. We see displays of equipment that make our learning process unique at Essex County College.”
