The NJAC Foundation -- Better Service Through Education

The NJAC Foundation was established by the New Jersey Association of Counties in 1997 for two purposes: to promote a broader understanding of the critical role that county governments have in delivering vital services; and to act on behalf of our county governments to build better communities in New Jersey.

The Foundation is primarily an educational entity that helps to train newly elected county officials, professional administrators, financial officers and other county officers, and businesses that deal with county governments in New Jersey.  It also provides educational opportunities for students in New Jersey through two important scholarship programs:  the Partners in Excellence scholarship, which provides cash assistance to New Jersey technical school students to attend a community or four-year college; and the Partners in Excellence Nursing Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to students who wish to pursue careers in nursing.

Through the course of the year the Foundation conducts seminars and public education events that specific to issues by which citizens and county governments are affected, such as shared services and property taxes.

Finally, the Foundation conducts the LEAD New Jersey Program, the only course of its kind in America that is accredited for college-level graduate programs.  Participants come from county governments and New Jersey corporations to learn about the history of county government in New Jersey, how it works and the public policies that affect county governments and county property taxpayers.  The Lead New Jersey Program is conducted by The College of New Jersey and it may count for three credit hours toward a degree in public administration.

At its Annual Conference in Atlantic City, the NJAC Foundation runs dozens of seminars that qualify as continuing education credits for various government professionals.  The seminars are approved by the state Department of Community Affairs, and they offer volumes of useful and interesting information that help county government officials develop into better public servants and more successful professionals.

For information about any of the NJAC Foundation's programs, including how to register, click here.