HCCC receives 2024 ‘Inspiring Programs in Business’ award from Insight into Diversity

Hudson County Community College’s School of Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management has received Insight into Diversity magazine’s 2024 “Inspiring Programs in Business” award.

The national award honors business schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to encouraging and assisting students from traditionally underrepresented groups to enter the field of business.

HCCC was recognized for its comprehensive diversity, equity & inclusion recruitment, retention and educational initiatives including curriculum development, industry-based student activities, faculty professional development and best practices that support and nurture the college’s diverse student body.

“Our School of Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management utilizes a multifaceted approach to instruction and facilitating the growing needs of our local business community,” HCCC President Christopher Reber said. “We proudly accept this honor that acknowledges the transformational impact HCCC makes in the lives of our students and our community.”

Reber shared that HCCC’s targeted recruitment efforts and unique academic programs have led to increases in the number of students from historically underrepresented groups. The number of Black or African American students in the HCCC School of Business, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management disciplines increased about 150%, from 54 to 134 students (12% of HCCC’s total enrollment in these programs); and the number of Hispanic students increased 170%, from 249 to 676 (60% of program total enrollment).

“We know that business programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight into Diversity magazine, said. “We want to honor the schools and organizations offering programs that inspire and encourage young people interested in a future career in business. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”