NHCC is a community-based organization that was established in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1970.  NHCC was created to assist African American students at Plainfield High School with the pursuit of higher education.  In the late 1960’s, African American high school students were not being motivated to pursue post-secondary education.  In addition to poor educational guidance, other inner city environmental factors led to a high drop out rate and a poor academic status for many.  As a result, the Founders of NHCC, educators in their own right, created NHCC to combat the negative barriers that students face.  Since 1970, NHCC has expanded the service of students beyond Plainfield to Piscataway, Scotch Plains, New Brunswick and other surrounding communities.  In addition, we have expanded our services to include any student that is interested in pursing a college degree.  The program meets every Wednesday night from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, between the months of September and June.  Currently, through a partnership with the Plainfield Board of Education, NHCC meets at the Washington Community School in Plainfield, New Jersey.   Since its start, NHCC has assisted more than 3,000 students pursue their dream of a higher education.   

NHCC provides a programmed environment for students to meet and discuss the importance of; obtaining a college education, overcoming obstacles and becoming productive contributors to their respective communities.  Our curriculum is designed to help the efforts of the local guidance office by providing access to educational resources that may not otherwise be available to many students.  Although many high school guidance offices provide students with some resources on colleges and career paths; students that attend NHCC often seek additional assistance with three key areas; 1) major post-secondary preparation, 2) the transition from high school to college and 3) the development of productive life skills, all of which are the foundation of the NHCC curriculum.  More specifically, NHCC motivates and encourages students toward the pursuit of higher education by providing the following:

	- One-on-one mentoring to students on college admission requirements
	- Assistance with preparation of financial aid documents
	- Hosting of financial aid sessions/workshops for students and parents
	- College Admission Application and SAT Fee Waivers
	- Weekly access to qualified Program Advisors
	- Guest speakers that will dialog with students about college life and career choices
	- Annual College Tours that allow students the opportunity to speak directly with college admissions and/or financial aid directors
	- Scholarships information

The NHCC curriculum is executed by Program Advisors most of whom are graduates of the program.  NHCC Program Advisors are responsible for the administration of all student related activities and the planning and preparation of such.  Program Advisors are in direct contact with each student and parent on a weekly basis and are trained and experienced in delivering the NHCC curriculum.  

NHCC is a 501(c)3 corporation that is governed by a Board of Directors whose primary focus is to conduct all NHCC business, review NHCC curriculum guidelines, provide program visioning assistance and strengthen fundraising efforts while uplifting the NHCC mission.