On May 16, Eric Mora Jimenez will proudly lead his peers into the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion as the gonfalon bearer for Camden County College’s School, Community, and Workforce Division. Though he will lead the procession, Eric will be among the youngest graduates crossing the stage that day.
At just 17 years old, Eric, alongside 56 other high school students, will receive his associate degree before even graduating from high school. Eric, who moved to Camden City with his family from the Dominican Republic in 2016, is a standout participant in the Early College Associate Degree (ECAD) program, one of Camden County College’s many college-readiness pathways for high school students. The ECAD program is a specialized partnership with Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS) that enables students to meet the NJ Department of Education High School Graduation Requirements while earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Science upon graduation.
Eric began his journey with CCC as a sophomore, transitioning to full-time college coursework by his junior year. As part of the ECAD cohort, he spends his school days on campus from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., immersed in a college environment that he embraced wholeheartedly, despite the initial adjustment.
“It was a culture shock in terms of the change from high school to college,” he admitted.
Eric quickly found his footing at CCC, whether he was attending campus events, playing the piano in Lincoln Hall, or tutoring his fellow students in Spanish, math, or science, Eric made the most of every moment.
“Community colleges are a hidden gem in education,” Eric reflected. “It’s mesmerizing how CCC is less expensive, but the education is just as good, if not better, than four-year schools.”
Eric quickly formed strong bonds with his professors at CCC, describing them as ‘masterful’ in both their knowledge of their subjects, and their approach to educating.
“All of my professors were passionate about their subject,” he said. “They were kind and understanding.”
This fall, Eric will attend the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a full four-year scholarship, where he will study Physics. He dreams of earning his Ph.D., working for NASA, and one day returning to the Dominican Republic to teach, and to give back to the communities that shaped him.
When asked if he would recommend the rigorous ECAD program to others, his response was immediate.
“Absolutely, this was such a rewarding experience.”
In the rare moments he’s not studying, tutoring, or planning for his future, Eric enjoys spending time with friends, watching TV, playing and listening to music, and catching a well-deserved nap.
Congratulations to Eric, and to the entire class of 2025!
