New Jersey City University (NJCU) scored a $3 million grant for promoting postbaccalaureate opportunities for Hispanics, thanking the efforts of U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez (D-8) and LaMonica McIver (D-10).
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I can’t think of a better way to culminate Hispanic Heritage Month than to celebrate this award. The grant is an investment in our mission, of course, and is also an investment in our city, state and nation,” NJCU Interim President Andres Acebeo said in a statement.
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Rob Menendez and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for their support and commitment to advancing educational opportunities for underrepresented students and underserved communities.”
The federal grant will be in the amount of $600,000 for the budget period spanning October 1, 2024 through September 3, 2025 and is anticipated to be active for five total years at this funding level.
The grant funding was announced on October 15th during a check presentation ceremony on campus.
The grant submission was authored by Muriel K. Rand, M.S.W., Ed.D, NJCU Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, in collaboration with the Office of Research Grants & Sponsored Programs.
The grant will support “The Professional Pathways Project” which is designed to help students attain graduate professional degrees and meet their career goals, enabling more Hispanic and low-income students to become professionals and faculty in higher education.
“The Professional Pathways Project at New Jersey City University is a vital tool for the next generation of Hispanic and lower income leaders to access career and educational training,” noted Menendez.
“I applaud the Biden-Harris Department of Education for providing $3 million over the next five years to help ensure this program’s success, and I know that this will help change the lives of countless New Jerseyans.”
As an immediate outcome of the grant, NJCU will create a new Master’s of Social Work degree.
An additional early outcome of the grant will be new microcredential in Multicultural/Multilingual Services, and the enhancement of the curriculum in the Educational Technology Leadership (Ed.D.) doctoral program and Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Civil Security Leadership, Management & Policy program to be more culturally responsive, inclusive, and flexible.
“New Jersey City University, recognized as a national leader in advancing students’ upward economic mobility, is at the forefront of delivering accessible, equity-driven, and transformative education,” McIver exclaimed.
“The recently announced $3 million in federal funding over the next five years to expand post-baccalaureate opportunities for Hispanic students will further strengthen this commitment to access and equity, creating even more opportunities for all students to achieve their dreams.”
