William Paterson plans college-access center at Paterson youth site

William Paterson University plans to put university staff at a new youth recreation center in Paterson to provide college-access, adult-learning and career services through a program called William Paterson University College Central.

The university described the planned program on Oct. 12. It said it has committed financial and in-kind support to the broader New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) community initiative. The announcement outlines a broad menu of proposed services, but does not give a College Central opening date, participant capacity, eligibility criteria or the amount of the university’s commitment.

The partnership had been referenced before the October announcement. NJCDC’s Aug. 12 College Sendoff item described a new partnership with William Paterson University.

Proposed help for students and adults

For students exploring college, the university lists college fairs, application and essay workshops, and guidance on financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and ways to pay for college. Other planned offerings include instant decision days, transfer advising, dual-enrollment opportunities, campus tours and transportation to admissions events.

The program is also intended to serve adults who want to start college, return after time away or finish a degree. William Paterson lists transfer pathways, assessments of prior learning, certificates, micro-credentials and career preparation as potential supports. The range is meant to address different points in an education path, from considering enrollment to earning credentials or completing a degree.

Families and younger learners are included in the plans as well. Proposed services include bilingual information sessions for families, college-readiness and academic workshops, and enrichment activities. Career guidance could cover resume and interview preparation, career exploration and job-fair participation, with possible connections to job-shadowing or internships.

William Paterson students may also have opportunities to tutor and mentor, participate in community service and take part in experiential learning. The university says offerings may expand as capacity develops. These are planned services; the announcement does not establish which will be available when the center begins operating.

A new facility under development

NJCDC reported in September that it and the City of Paterson were developing the Great Falls Recreation Center at 54 Front Street, next to NJCDC’s existing Youth Center. The new facility is distinct from the temporary location of Great Falls Youth Center programming: NJCDC said that programming was based at 59 Spruce Street during the 2026–27 school year while the 54 Front Street site was being developed.

William Paterson’s announcement identified Oct. 16 as the date NJCDC planned to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the recreation center, four days after the university described College Central. That milestone concerns the facility; the university has not provided a start date for the college-access program.