Listen to this article

Bergen County officials celebrated the opening of the new Career Innovation High School in Paramus May 28. The career and technical education campus is designed to prepare students for high-demand industries through hands-on workforce training programs.

The new high school will serve approximately 260 students on the Paramus campus of Bergen County Technical School District. It offers specialized programs in fabrication and design, logistics and dental science.

Officials said the school will provide students with technical training that can lead directly to employment, apprenticeships or continued higher education opportunities. The note the investment further strengthens Bergen County‘s nationally recognized technical education system, and long-term workforce development pipeline.

The New Jersey’s Securing Our Children’s Future Grant Program provided primary funding for the project. That initiative provided roughly $25.9 million toward construction costs. Bergen County also contributed an additional $8.6 million.

Addressing workforce shortages

“This new school represents an investment in the future of Bergen County and in the next generation of students who will help drive our economy forward,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco III. “Career and Technical Education gives students real-world skills and opportunities while helping address workforce shortages in critical industries.”

“The opening of the Career Innovation High School marks an exciting new chapter for the Bergen County Technical School District,” said BCTSD Superintendent Howard Lerner. “These new programs were designed to meet growing student demand for Career and Technical Education while aligning with the evolving needs of employers and industries throughout our region.”

Get a tour of the new school here, courtesy of Bergen County:

“The Career Innovation High School is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment we should be making in public education,” said Assemblywoman Lisa Swain, D-38th District.

Bergen County Board of Commissions Chairman Steven Tanelli said the project reflects a longstanding focus in the county.

“Bergen County has always understood that strong schools and workforce development go hand in hand,” said Tanelli. “This new facility expands opportunities for students while helping meet the growing workforce needs of employers throughout our region.”

Tedesco added, “Bergen County has long been a leader in vocational and technical education, and this new facility strengthens that commitment.”