Sussex County Community College

Nestled in Newton, New Jersey, Sussex County Community College (SCCC) stands as a beacon of opportunity with its empowering motto: "Start here, go anywhere!" Serving approximately 2,250 students, SCCC is a public community college dedicated to providing an accessible and robust educational foundation. Under the leadership of Dr. Cory Homer, the college fosters an environment where students can discover their passions, hone their skills, and prepare for successful transfer to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce.

What truly sets SCCC apart is the extraordinary tapestry of history woven into its very grounds. Long before the college's founding in 1981, this land was a bustling hub. Dating back to before 1751, it was home to Henry Hairlocker's tavern, a pivotal site that even hosted county government and court sessions in 1762. Later, in 1858, the property transformed into the estate of John A. Horton, featuring a grand mansion that blended Rural Gothic and Italianate architecture, a testament to a bygone era.

The educational legacy of the campus deepened significantly in 1928 when the Missionary Society of the Salesian Congregation acquired the property. They established a Roman Catholic seminary, initially named St. Joseph's House of Studies, which later evolved into the renowned Don Bosco College. Dedicated to the betterment and education of disadvantaged youth, Don Bosco College, named after the revered Italian priest, trained future priests and educators. Its prominent red-brick main building, completed in 1931, still stands as a reminder of this rich pedagogical tradition, providing dormitories, a library, classrooms, and laboratories.

Today, SCCC proudly carries forward this heritage of education and community service. Drawing on nearly a quarter-century of prior academic use of the site, SCCC continues to be a vital resource for Sussex County, offering foundational education that empowers students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. It’s a place where every student can indeed "start here" and confidently "go anywhere" their ambitions lead.