.jpg)
.jpg)
In a powerful example of collaboration between K–12 and higher education, Donald M. Payne, Sr. School of Technology in Essex County, New Jersey, has partnered with Bloomfield College of Montclair State University to launch a new dual enrollment program in game development. At the center of this innovative partnership is Mastery Coding’s Game Development curriculum, which is helping students earn both high school and college credit in an exciting and fast-growing field.
Through this agreement, eligible Payne Tech students can now earn up to six college credits while still in high school by completing coursework aligned to Bloomfield’s Creative Arts and Technology (CAT) division. These courses are delivered using Mastery Coding’s Game Development 1 and 2 curriculum, providing students with a rigorous, project-based learning experience.
About the Program
This dual-credit initiative allows high school students to enroll in two college-level courses:
- Group Game Project I
- Introduction to Game Programming
The program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore game design and development at a collegiate level while working toward their high school diploma. Coursework completed through this partnership is eligible for credit at both the high school and Bloomfield College, providing a valuable head start on students' postsecondary education.
Students accepted into the program can apply online or in person and gain full access to campus resources and student services at both institutions.
A Champion for Student Opportunity: Robert Funesti
One of the educators championing this effort is Robert Funesti, a teacher at Payne Tech who has played an instrumental role in implementing the dual-credit program at the school. Working closely with Bloomfield College and Mastery Coding, Mr. Funesti is helping ensure that students not only gain access to college-level coursework but also develop meaningful technical and creative skills that will serve them well in the future.
In addition to teaching the Game Development curriculum, Mr. Funesti supports students throughout their dual-enrollment journey, helping them adapt to higher academic expectations and mentoring them as they build their portfolios.
For new teachers entering the field, Mr. Funesti offers this advice: "Stay focused, prepare in advance as much as possible for your classes, keep a couple of alternative plans handy in case something unforeseen happens, and be patient with yourself! It will get easier over time."
His passion for teaching and commitment to student success exemplify the best of what CTE programs can offer—blending academic rigor with real-world relevance.
Mastery Coding: Connecting Students to College and Career
Mastery Coding’s Game Development curriculum plays a key role in enabling this program. Designed to align with industry standards and postsecondary expectations, the curriculum provides students with:
- Foundational programming knowledge
- Game design theory and application
- Real-world tools like Unity and professional design software
- Opportunities to build a project portfolio
By using Mastery Coding’s curriculum, the dual-credit courses meet the rigor required for college-level instruction while still being accessible and engaging for high school learners. The curriculum also prepares students for industry-recognized certifications, such as the Unity Certified User exam, further supporting their college and career readiness.
Expanding Opportunity Through Dual Enrollment
Dual enrollment programs like this one are becoming an increasingly important tool for expanding access to higher education. For students, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, they offer a way to:
- Get a head start on college coursework
- Save on tuition by earning credit early
- Explore potential career paths in high-demand industries
- Gain confidence and experience in a college environment
This partnership between Payne Tech and Bloomfield College is especially significant, as it marks a key milestone following Bloomfield’s merger with Montclair State University. It also reflects a broader commitment across the Essex County Schools of Technology District to create meaningful postsecondary and career pathways for students through Career and Technical Education (CTE).
A Nationally Recognized Program in a High-Growth Industry
Bloomfield College’s Game Design program has been ranked among the top in New Jersey and recognized as one of the top 50 programs in the nation. Students who pursue this pathway at Bloomfield have access to cutting-edge resources at the Center for Technology + Creativity, where they can learn game design methodology, computer imaging, and both 2D and 3D design.
Through this partnership, high school students now have a direct path into one of the state’s most respected creative technology programs—equipping them with in-demand skills and a strong foundation for future careers in the tech and entertainment industries.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Dual Credit in CTE
The collaboration between Payne Tech, Bloomfield College, and Mastery Coding serves as a model for what’s possible when districts and higher education institutions work together to align curriculum, provide access, and support student success.
While this particular program is specific to Essex County, it demonstrates how schools across the country can explore similar dual-credit opportunities using Mastery Coding’s curriculum. With the right partnerships, schools can offer students both a head start on college and a competitive edge in today’s digital economy.
Conclusion
By integrating Mastery Coding’s Game Development curriculum into a dual-credit structure, Payne Tech and Bloomfield College are offering students a unique opportunity to earn college credit, develop industry-aligned skills, and prepare for bright futures in game development and beyond.
This program isn’t just about learning to code—it’s about building confidence, expanding opportunity, and helping students take their first steps toward successful careers in a rapidly evolving digital world.
