New Jersey City University and A. Harry Moore Laboratory School Launch ‘LIFT’ Program in On-Campus

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | New Jersey City University (NJCU) and the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School (AHM) formally introduced and launched the A. Harry Moore School Life Independence and Future Transitions (LIFT) program at NJCU’s Grossnickle Hall on October 30 during a grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony on the NJCU campus. 

With the announcement of the Life Independence and Future Transitions (LIFT), NJCU has transformed the first floor of Grossnickle Hall on campus — located adjacent to John F. Kennedy Boulevard and across the street from the full A. Harry Moore School which celebrated its centennial in 2021, to expand and further the decades-long relationship between the university and the special needs school. AHM offers comprehensive academic, therapeutic, pre-vocational and social programs for students classified as Preschool Disabled, Learning and Language Disabled, ABA classes for students with Autism, and Multiply Disabled.

The fully renovated 12,326 square-foot space encompassing the LIFT program is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, featuring five speciality rooms, including a culinary arts room and a consumer and family science room, where students can practice real-life and independent living skills. Additionally, it provides adaptive physical education, career technical education (CTE), a school store where the program’s students will work to gain practical skills, and community-based instruction (CBI) opportunities in Jersey City and on the NJCU campus. This well-rounded approach ensures that eligible students are well-prepared for adulthood. The program is vital as it addresses the unique challenges faced by special needs students. 

New Jersey State Senator Angela McKnight praised the LIFT program, noting "In our commitment to providing all students a quality, equitable education, the launch of the Life Independence and Future Transitions will be transformative in the lives of these deserving students. Every student, regardless of their abilities, deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed. It takes a village to raise strong communities, and NJCU and the A. Harry Moore School, and their visionary leadership, are ensuring that together, we are creating an inclusive environment where all children can unlock their full potential."

“I applaud NJCU's partnership with the A. Harry Moore School LIFT Program,” said Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. “A. Harry Moore School is a place where we see kids learn the skills they need to become the best they can be. Hudson County is a better place because of this partnership and I thank all involved for making this a reality.” 

Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for our community and our children’s futures. With the launch of the LIFT program at NJCU and the A. Harry Moore Laboratory School, we’re investing in opportunities that support every child’s potential to learn, grow, and succeed. This program reflects our commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, have the resources they need to thrive.”

Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea added: ”I am excited to see the LIFT program open. It is a testimony to the collaboration of the president of NJCU and the principal of A. Harry Moore School, both of whom have a strong commitment to the students. The additional opportunities LIFT will provide to these young men and women will greatly assist them in succeeding in life.” 

Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey noted: “The new A. Harry Moore LIFT program at NJCU is an excellent example of how our educational institutions can create and grow programming to best support our students with special needs. NJCU’s commitment to help prepare all students of Jersey City and Hudson County is a testament to their forward-thinking leadership, and shows us the importance of collaboration and commitment to the communities we serve. I applaud Interim President Andy Acebo and Principal Jason Jusino for creating a space where all students can achieve and thrive.”

About the A. Harry Moore School:

A. Harry Moore School, a team-driven, multidisciplinary demonstration and laboratory school, is a professional community of living and learning based on shared leadership, collaborative approaches, and research-based practice. They provide support to its students in developing independent living skills as well as access to academic, physical, therapeutic, social, and emotional growth opportunities so that students may achieve their fullest potential in school and beyond.