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Officials recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Life Independence and Future Transitions (LIFT) program.

LIFT at New Jersey City University (NJCU) is designed to empower high school and adult transition students with disabilities, aged 15 to 21. The Oct. 30 ceremony at NJCU’s Grossnickle Hall formally introduced the initiative, launched between the university and A. Harry Moore Laboratory School (AHM).

Located on campus, AHM offers comprehensive academic, therapeutic, pre-vocational and social programs for students classified as preschool disabled or learning and language disabled, as well as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) classes for students with autism and multiply disabilities. LIFT further cements a decades-long relationship between NJCU and the school.

Officials describe LIFT as a comprehensive initiative that aims to ensure participants with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in a special education setting are well-prepared for adulthood. In addition to tailored and individualized instruction, the program also replicates experiences found in a typical high school setting, including departmentalizing.

The two institutions say the aim is to equip these students with the tools necessary for a successful transition. Their goals include facilitating secure employment, encouraging further educational pursuits, promoting independent living skills, and building confidence and competence in daily life.

To facilitate the launch, NJCU transformed the first floor of Grossnickle Hall. The renovation of the 12,326-square-foot space equipped it with state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Five specialty rooms, such as culinary arts, consumer and family science rooms;
• A school store where the program’s students will work to gain practical skills; and
• Four other general classroom, with room for future program expansion.

A ‘bold’ step forward

Additional LIFT program particulars include:

• Provides adaptive physical education and career technical education
• Offers community-based instruction opportunities in Jersey City and on the NJCU campus
• Launched with 37 students, the program expects up to 48 participants this school year — with the potential growth to 60 students during the 2025-26 school year

“I am filled with pride to say that through our commitment to A. Harry Moore School, we are celebrating a bold, new step forward in our partnership,” said NJCU interim President Andres Acebo. “This work represents our collective vision and is proof that, when we work together, we can turn challenges into triumphs and risks into renewed commitments.”

Acebo said that the LIFT program embodies the spirit of NJCU’s near century-old promise to its community.

“A promise to stand with, fight for, and lift each other. Together, we are building a foundation that will support generations of students, families, and communities to come,” said Acebo. “This program is not only a continuation but an evolution. With each skill learned, each barrier overcome, each goal achieved – we are lifting these students towards futures that shine with possibility.”

“As I believe, the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School’s LIFT program at Grossnickle Hall of NJCU represents a transformative partnership between sending school districts and NJCU that empowers young individuals with special needs to unlock their potential and embrace the future with confidence,” said AHM Principal Jason Jusino. “Together, we’re not just providing skills; we’re cultivating independence and fostering a community where every student can thrive.”

“I applaud NJCU’s partnership with the A. Harry Moore School LIFT program,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “Hudson County is a better place because of this partnership – and I thank all involved for making this a reality.”

More about NJCU:

• NJCU, Hudson County Latin American Chamber launch strategic partnership
• Statewide Hispanic Chamber, NJCU strike new partnership
• NJCU, Mercer County Community College sign new transfer agreement