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Scutari Announces Federal Funding For Union County College, New Jersey City University Collaborative ‘STEM’ Program

Program Designed to Encourage Academic Success for Hispanic, Low-Income Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

ELIZABETH – Earlier this week, State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari joined with officials from Union County College (UCC) and New Jersey City University (NJCU) to officially announce a federal grant award of more than $3 million to help support a five-year collaborative project designed to encourage academic success for Hispanic and other low-income students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics majors.

“The broader societal benefits of long-term investment and expansion of higher educational resources must be encouraged,” said Senator Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset. “These services allow students to receive full professional career development training at a critical stage. This will lead to more job choices for these students and ultimately to a better educated workforce for New Jersey and the nation.”

Senator Scutari joined with UCC President, Dr. Thomas Brown, and NJCU President, Dr. Carlos Hernandez, on Monday at UCC’s Elizabeth Campus to announce the federal funding for the collaborative, five-year project entitled “Improving the Pipeline in STEM Education.” The project, which is intended to increase the number and academic success of Hispanic and low-income students participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors, as well as STEM teaching education majors, was awarded $3.3 million in federal funding from the United States Department of Education, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) program. The collaboration between the two schools will result in easier, seamless transition between the two-year UCC and four-year NJCU academic programs, improved career pathway counseling for participating students, expanded distance learning opportunities and updated learning resources, including lab materials and technology equipment.

“I highly commend the US Department of Education and the UCC/NJCU collaboration for administering this grant,” said Senator Scutari. “The investment of federal funding translates into real opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students to succeed in fields where their talents are greatly needed. By giving students the tools and education to be competitive in a science- and technology-based job market, we’re helping them build a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.”