By Tamar LaSure-Owens
In a pioneering initiative that sets a new precedent for educational collaboration, third-grade students from Leeds Avenue School in Pleasantville recently made history as the first elementary school group to partner with Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) in Mays Landing. The experience launched a dynamic partnership centered on hands-on learning, career awareness and future readiness—all rooted in the 2023 New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS).
With about 100 students and nine Leeds Avenue educators—Mr. Benson, Ms. Pacentrilli, Ms. Barnard, Ms. Alexander, Ms. Moody-Butler, Ms. Luna, Ms. Martin, Ms. Mulino and me—this milestone was designed to spark curiosity, confidence and college awareness in young learners. Students rotated through immersive, college-hosted stations that included nursing, STEM and drone aviation, culinary arts, esports, scientific measurement, college history, library exploration and a design-focused session called Hidden Logos.
The hidden meaning behind logos
One of the most thought-provoking stations was Hidden Logos, led by Professor Deana Kozlowski. Students were introduced to the world of visual symbolism, exploring the deeper meanings behind everyday logos. Kozlowski guided them through three core elements that make logos powerful:
- History – understanding a brand’s origins and evolution
- Psychology – recognizing how design choices appeal to emotions
- Personal connection – interpreting logos based on individual perspectives
Students were especially captivated by the idea of “negative space,” where hidden images appear in the unused portions of a logo. As they uncovered these visuals, they reflected on questions such as, “What am I seeing in myself that allows me to connect with this image?“ The session encouraged design thinking, critical analysis and self-discovery—turning art into a reflective journey.
College-level learning for elementary minds
Each station offered an unforgettable, age-appropriate introduction to real college learning environments:
- Junior nurses in training: Dr. Danielle Nicastro and Professor Joanna Johns led students in measuring their heart rates before and after physical activity. Students learned about the circulatory system and hygiene while practicing first aid techniques.
- Soaring with STEM: Professor Tim Cwik demonstrated drone aviation technology, then let students fly drones themselves—many for the first time. The combination of flight, exploration and STEM-based dialogue sparked wide-eyed wonder and joyful discovery.
- Little Chefs: Chef Wohlman and Chef Chellus guided students in preparing fruit and cheese kabobs while learning about portion sizes, nutrition and measurements. As they worked with real culinary tools and ingredients, students made cross-curricular connections between science, math, art and enjoyed eating their creations!
- Welcome to the Game Zone: Professor Michele Togashi introduced esports as both a pastime and a career pathway. Through Kahoot and discussion, students explored questions such as “What is esports?” and “Is esports only for young people?” The session highlighted teamwork, strategy and the rise of digital industries.
- Mismatched measuring in the lab: Dr. Terri-Lynn Hamby immersed students in hands-on scientific inquiry. Wearing goggles and gloves, they measured liquids using authentic lab tools and compared accuracy across instruments.
- College history: Students learned about the founding of ACCC in 1964 and its distinction as New Jersey’s first community college to offer a culinary program. They also heard stories from alumni, connecting past to present.
A partnership with purpose
This collaboration is groundbreaking in its commitment to engaging elementary students in higher education. Traditionally, community college outreach has been reserved for high school and adult learners. This initiative boldly redefines that norm.
This partnership is about possibility. We want our students to see that college isn’t just something to think about later—it’s a part of their story now.
Each 20-minute session was intentionally structured to maximize impact while keeping students engaged. ACCC staff members escorted each team to their sessions, ensuring a smooth, supported and safe experience.
Afterward, students shared their excitement with classmates, teachers and families. Many expressed pride in being on a real college campus for the first time. Jubilant exclamations like, “I want to go here!” and “I can’t wait to be a college student!” captured the energy of the day.
Thanks to visionary leadership
This event was made possible by the support of Dr. Josette Katz, senior vice president of academic affairs, who approved the initiative in January 2025. I first championed the idea during the inaugural Atlantic County Council of Education Associations’ Professional Development Day, held at ACCC on Jan. 25, 2025, and followed up with a formal proposal to the college.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the faculty and staff of ACCC for their creativity, hospitality and dedication to early college exposure. From custom name tags and colorful bookbags to personalized certificates marking students’ projected college entrance year, the day was a meaningful experience for every elementary student.
Why this visit matters
- First-ever ACCC partnership with an elementary school.
- Hands-on STEM, health, culinary and career exploration.
- Real-world academic connections to 2023 NJSLS.
- Logo literacy through design, psychology and identity.
- Student dialogue with ACCC alumni and faculty.
- Empowering third graders to see themselves as future college students.
This partnership is a model for bold, student-centered learning. Leeds Avenue School and Atlantic Cape Community College have proven that it’s never too early to introduce young minds to higher education—and to inspire them to see college not just as a dream, but as a real possibility
Tamar LaSure-Owens, an instructional trailblazer and NJEA Consortium Design Team Ambassador, is a teacher at Leeds Avenue School in Pleasantville. She represents Atlantic County on the NJEA Instruction Committee. She can be reached at tlasure-owens@njea.org.